International Teaching Assistants (ITAs)
New International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) at Vanderbilt University are evaluated at the end of August as part of the ITA Orientation. The evaluation process is designed to determine whether an ITA has the high level of communication skills needed to carry out their teaching responsibilities. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, ITAs may be placed into one of the following language courses.
Communication Skills for International Teaching Assistants
The English Language Center offers a semester-long course which covers an introduction to the language of spoken discourse and to typical modes of communicating in academic settings. ITAs will study the skills necessary to make a presentation, lead a discussion, and most importantly, interact effectively. They will also engage in class discussions and speaking activities to develop oral fluency.
Pronunciation Skills for International Teaching Assistants
The English Language Center offers a semester-long course which focuses on the fundamentals of American English pronunciation.The purpose of this course is to help students modify their speech patterns to improve their speaking comprehensibility. Activities include work in the language lab, and tape-recorded home assignments with individualized feedback.
Speaking and Listening for International Teaching Assistants
The English Language Center offers a semester-long course designed to increase fluency, comprehensibility and accuracy in speaking English while at the same time improving the ability to understand conversational and academic English.
For further information about course content, contact:
Jim Cracraft, Language Teaching Specialist
Email: jim.cracraft@vanderbilt.edu.
For information about the International Teaching Assistant Program, contact:
Melissa Krasnove, Center for Teaching ITAP Coordinator
Email: melissa.s.krasnove@Vanderbilt.Edu
For information regarding Language Partner Positions, contact:
Bosun Jang, Language Partner Coordinator
Email: bosun.jang@vanderbilt.edu
For Language Partners Job Description, click here.