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Preparing Graduate Teaching Assistants: An Investment in Excellence
Author(s) -
Amores María J.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.1999.tb00875.x
Subject(s) - excellence , quality (philosophy) , investment (military) , foreign language , graduate students , mathematics education , pedagogy , psychology , language education , medical education , political science , medicine , politics , law , philosophy , epistemology
In the beginning and intermediate language programs at most major universities, graduate teaching assistants are a major factor in determining the overall effectiveness of the instruction provided. Based upon the belief that excellence in teaching is crucial to the development of functional ability in a foreign language, the primary goal of GTA Coordinators must be to assure the quality of the instruction in the undergraduate courses for which the Coordinator is held accountable. This article discusses the elements of one program established to help GTAs make the transition from language student to language teacher, and to assure that a high quality of instruction is maintained.