What if you could tailor your teaching activities to the ways students learn best? A series of brief videos, Cognitive Principles for Effective Teaching, explains several cognitive factors that shape student learning and that instructors can factor into their work with students. Also on this topic, see the GSI Teaching Continue Reading >>
Strategies for Exam Reviews GSIs share methods they have used to help students solidify their learning in preparation for exams: Playing Teacher: Adding Predictive Power to Students’ Toolboxes, Emily Hamilton (History) Instilling Effective Study Skills in Students: Start Early, Know Your Weaknesses, Jennifer McGuire (Integrative Biology) Encouraging Critical Thinking through Continue Reading >>
Recipients of the 2015-2016 Outstanding GSI (OGSI) Award are to be honored at the annual OGSI Award Ceremony on Tuesday, May 3. Each year, recipients are nominated within their teaching departments. They receive certificates of distinction from the GSI Center, which also hosts the award ceremony. Currently-enrolled graduate students who receive the Continue Reading >>
GSIs teaching Reading and Composition courses may apply to two new grant programs aimed at supporting GSI professional development and GSI initiatives to create new features for their R&C courses. Details about the programs and application process are linked below: Daniel E. Koshland, Jr. Professional Self-Development Grant Daniel E. Koshland, Jr. Course Continue Reading >>
Helping students prepare for midterm exams? Browse some GSI essays on successful review techniques.
First-time GSIs and seasoned veterans alike look for ways to further develop their teaching. Having someone observe your teaching and gathering student input using midterm evaluations are great ways to spot things you’re doing well and things to improve.
GSIs are invited to check out the Academic Innovation Studio (AIS). Managed by Educational Technology Services, the facility offers workstations for screen capture, voice recording, and video editing among other things, as well as comfortable spaces for sharing and collaborating on projects. AIS also houses support for bCourses, and instructional equipment. Learn more about Continue Reading >>
The Spring 2016 Teaching Conference provided an orientation for graduate students new to the GSI role. Discipline-Cluster (D-C) workshops led by experienced GSIs addressed pressing questions about getting started as a GSI. The afternoon featured a performance by Berkeley Interactive Theater, which led to a discussion of how GSIs in their role as teachers Continue Reading >>
GSIs have a strategic part to play in promoting students’ learning, and the GSI role is an important professional opportunity for graduate students. In the talks linked here, faculty from several departments offer some pointers. Ani Adhikari (Statistics) Sylvia Bunge (Psychology) Raka Ray (Sociology; South and Southeast Asia Studies) Anant Sahai (EECS) See more faculty Continue Reading >>
This is a good time to review ways you can encourage students to engage actively in their learning. The online Teaching Guide for GSIs offers excellent strategies to use in a variety of GSI-led settings. Active Learning Techniques Group Work Managing Lab Partners and Groups Encouraging Participation Asking Effective Questions Continue Reading >>