International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP)

• Overview
• Orientation
• Language Evaluation and English Training
• Teaching Practicum
• Student Consultant Program & Resources
• Teaching Resources
• Discussion Groups and Workshops

Overview

ITAP assists and supports international graduate students as they prepare for and begin their teaching duties at Vanderbilt. It is specifically designed for those international teaching assistants (ITAs) for whom English is not their first language and who have not completed a baccalaureate degree at an institution where English is the language of instruction.

In collaboration with the English Language Center (ELC) and departmental representatives, ITAP staff members evaluate ITAs' language skills as they enter Vanderbilt and place ITAs into appropriate English language courses, offered by the ELC. These courses typically include pronunciation, speaking and listening, communication skills, and a teaching practicum. In all courses, the emphasis is on helping ITAs improve their oral English language skills for the classroom so that they can become fully integrated into the academic community at Vanderbilt. Occasionally, writing courses are offered to deepen ITAs' integration into this community.

The Student Consultant Program, run by ITAP, complements the work done in English language courses. Undergraduate students, working in pairs with one or more ITA, assist international graduate students with language acquisition, familiarize ITAs with expectations in the American classroom, and serve as a resource about Vanderbilt culture. The English Language Center works closely with ITAP and student consultants in language development training.

Benefits to participants in ITAP include:

• improving English language skills for classroom teaching
• learning about best practices for instruction in the American classroom
• interacting with undergraduates who are respectful of diversity and cultural differences
• gaining confidence about communication skills in English

Orientation

International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) in all departments attend International Teaching Assistant Orientation in their first year as a graduate student at Vanderbilt. If they assume teaching duties in that first year, they attend Teaching Assistant Orientation as well. All ITAs should make appropriate visa and travel arrangements so as to arrive in Nashville and secure an apartment, social security card, etc. before ITAO.

Language Evaluation and English Training

ITAP staff coordinate the evaluation of ITAs' language skills as they enter Vanderbilt and the placement of ITAs into appropriate English language courses, offered by the English Language Center (ELC). These courses typically include pronunciation, speaking and listening, and communication skills. In all courses, the emphasis is on helping students improve their oral English language skills so that they can become fully integrated into the academic community at Vanderbilt. Occasionally, writing courses are offered to deepen ITAs' integration into this community.

My teaching skills have improved bit by bit. The teaching practicum class, the SC meetings, and other ITAP resources are all helpful. I think the most useful thing I have gained is that I became clearer on how to explain things in ways my audiences can understand! - Teaching Practicum Participant

Teaching Practicum

The English Language Center and the CFT offer a semester-long course that presents ITAs a variety of practical means for improving their teaching.  A combination of teaching workshops, classroom observations, interviews with undergraduates, and practice teaching, the Teaching Practicum gives ITAs the opportunity to learn more about teaching in the American classroom and to hone their teaching skills.

Course Objectives

1. to improve English language skills for classroom teaching;
2. to learn about best practices for instruction in the American classroom;
3. to become more aware of the expectations of undergraduates in lab and discussion contexts as well as during office hours;
4. to strengthen effectiveness at presenting information; and
5. to gain confidence about teaching at Vanderbilt.

Student Consultant Program

The Student Consultant Program, run by ITAP, complements the work done in English language courses. Undergraduate student consultants, who are paired with one or more ITA, assist international graduate students with language acquisition, familiarize ITAs with expectations in the American classroom, and serve as a resource about Vanderbilt culture. The English Language Center works closely with ITAP and student consultants in language development training.

The Center's ITAP Internet Resources page provides links to some activities used by ITAs and SCs.

Teaching Resources

Services for Individuals: The Center for Teaching provides a wide range of services available to all instructors at the University.

Teaching Resources: This web page lists links that lead to a variety of resources for teaching.

Discussion Groups and Workshops

ITAs may attend discussion groups and workshops to receive on-going, continued development of their teaching, language, and culture skills.

For more information, contact Melissa Krasnove .

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