Promising Practices
In this section Graduate Student Instructors (i.e., TAs and AIs) write about what has worked for them regarding their teaching methods or generally communicating with their students. And faculty members offer their response to the question: "What are some of the characteristics of the perfect GSI?" We hope not only that you will use this material to enhance your own teaching, but that you will make a similar contribution. Please send your submissions about what works for you to promisingpractices@lists.cc.utexas.edu. We look forward to celebrating your "promising practices" on this Web site soon!
Problems getting your students to focus? Peggy Semingson shares her solution.
Discover how Alison Eakle's "creativity coaching" helps her students become more comfortable persevering with new – and as yet unpolished – skills.
"Show, don't just tell," is the secret of this TA's success with teaching difficult concepts.
"Less is More" says Sinikka Elliot. Find out how that perspective benefits both instructors and students.
What's in a name? Find out how learning (and using!) students' names can enhance everyday classroom communication.
Want to know how to make abstract concepts more understandable to your students?
Here's how the "perfect TA" keeps their sanity and maintains a professional approach.
Ever thought of yourself as a "powerful link
to student insights and needs"?
Read Kathy Schmidt's comments on what the best TAs do.
What's the difference between a TA and a basketball point guard and why should you care?
How do you operate as a successful member of the
faculty-TA team endeavor?
Roger Martinez offers some insights.
How do you deal with an undergraduate mutiny regarding your grading?
Find out how one female TA minimizes office hour awkwardness with male students.
Looking for ways to keep your students focused during discussion sections?
Find out how to get your students excited about any academic subject.