GTC

The Rewards of Being a Graduate Teaching Consultant

CRLT is currently accepting applications for our Graduate Teaching Consultant (GTC) team. For more information about the program, including a link to application materials, click on our GTC page. In this guest blog, current GTC Melody Pugh, a Ph.D. student in English & Education, highlights some rewards of her participation in the program.    

I taught my first college level writing course in the Fall of 2005.  I’d had no formal training in how to teach writing, and in fact, I was teaching a course that I had never actually taken myself.  Thankfully, I was surrounded by generous teacher-scholars who mentored me toward excellent teaching.  They took time out of their busy schedules to think with me about the challenges of curriculum design, classroom management, and writing assessment. 

When I came to the University of Michigan for further graduate study, I received formal training both from my department and from CRLT. But I also knew how valuable I’d found the informal mentoring that I received early in my teaching career, and I wanted to offer similar guidance and support to other new teachers. So when I learned about the GTC program, it knew it would be a great fit for me. And it has been. Here’s why: Read more »

Submitted by tbraun on Sun, 02/10/2013 - 3:42pm
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What's a GTC (and why should you apply to be one)?

Have you ever wondered how CRLT is able to offer individual consultations for anyone teaching at U-M, including hundreds of GSIs? We couldn't do it without our team of Graduate Teaching Consultants (GTCs).  The GTCs are U-M graduate students, current and former GSIs representing a broad range of fields, who consult with GSIs across campus on teaching and learning. They also often facilitate workshops and contribute to our new GSI training programs. 

CRLT is currently recruiting new GTCs, and we invite any graduate student passionate about learning and teaching to apply. The program is an excellent professional development experience for GTCs, who participate in a learning community and receive continuing training on pedagogy. GTCs have shared that the program helps them to be better teachers themselves and helps prepare them for a range of careers, in and out of academe.

As the coordinator of the current GTC group and a former GTC myself, I know that the program has inspired many GTCs to pursue a career in educational development. As a result of my involvement in the group during my tenure as a graduate student at U-M, I discovered my passion for working with diverse instructors to enhance their teaching and improve student learning. I ultimately pursued a career as an instructional consultant, and many former GTCs have done the same. Read more »

Submitted by lnschram on Wed, 01/30/2013 - 10:33am
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Graduate Teaching Consultant Program Call For Applications

 

Call for applications for the 2013-2014 CRLT GRADUATE TEACHING CONSULTANT (GTC) PROGRAM

This year, we are recruiting graduate teaching consultants (GTCs) for Fall 2013, with the expectation of continuing through Winter 2014.

GTCs collaborate with CRLT on activities designed to promote excellence in graduate student teaching across the University.  By working with CRLT, you will have a unique opportunity to help advance teaching and learning across the university while continuing your own development as an instructor. During the academic year, GTCs conduct midterm student feedbacks and consultations with other GSIs and meet monthly at CRLT to discuss teaching, consulting and careers in instructional development.

A subset of GTCs are identified as Instructional Technology GTCs (IT-GTCs) due to their interest in using technology to support teaching. IT-GTCs have an additional meeting each month and receive training on instructional technology. In addition to regular GTC duties, IT-GTCs help plan and facilitate workshops on using technology for teaching and occasionally consult with GSIs about using technology in the classroom. Please note that you do not have to be a "power user" or have extensive technical know-how to join the IT-GTC group. Interest and a willingness to explore new technologies are all that's required.  Read more »

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Classroom Challenge: Breaking the Ice

With the beginning of the semester just around the corner, many instructors are strategizing about how best to start productive classroom conversations. Students who speak even briefly at the beginning of a class meeting are more likely to participate in discussions going forward, and a well-chosen icebreaker can help everyone join in. As quick, low-stakes, and often fun activities that involve students at the beginning of a session, icebreakers can be a good way to learn about who's in the classroom, reduce anxiety, and begin thinking together about course content.  

CRLT provides examples of icebreakers and guidance for using them in Chapter Three of the GSI Guidebook. We also recently polled our Graduate Teaching Consultants (GTCs) to gather a list of their favorites. Here are some good ideas we received when we asked the GTCs to "tweet" us a particularly effective icebreaker they have used, seen, or heard about: Read more »

Submitted by tbraun on Wed, 01/02/2013 - 1:22pm
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Graduate Teaching Consultant Program

What is the Graduate Teaching Consultants Program?

Graduate Teaching Consultants (GTCs) are a group of experienced GSIs who work with CRLT on activities designed to promote excellence in graduate student teaching at Michigan. The intent of the GTC program is to provide GSIs access to experienced peer consultants for guidance and support in their important roles as teachers. While GSIs benefit greatly from mentoring in their home departments, the GTC program provides GSIs with an additional source of support – providing a safe and confidential place to explore teaching issues and discuss teaching problems. Any GSI can request a consultation with a Graduate Teaching Consultant by e-mailing crlt@umich.edu or calling 734-764-0505.

GTC 2012-13 Profiles

 

Why become a GTC?

By working with CRLT, GTCs have a unique opportunity to help advance teaching and learning across the university while continuing their own development as teachers. All GTCs receive training in consulting techniques from CRLT, including how to conduct classroom observations and midterm student feedback sessions. Additionally, GTCs meet weekly or bi-weekly at CRLT as members of a teaching circle. These meetings are used to discuss consulting case studies, to foster inclusive teaching practices, and to learn new pedagogic techniques. Read more »

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