IST510:

GA Professional Development

An Interdisciplinary One-Credit Seminar for GAs, TAs and Mentors at PSU

What is IST510? How many credit hours? IST510 is a unique opportunity to meet once a week in a supportive environment with PSU GAs, TAs and Mentors from all departments who share the goal of gaining ideas and strategies for improving their skills as instructors, facilitators and leaders in professional contexts.

IST510 is offered for one credit during fall quarter. The credit counts toward the nine graduate credits required of GAs.

Must I be planning on a career as a university faculty to take the course? No. The course focuses on communication processes and practices in the instructional setting. GAs and Mentors who plan on a career in teaching apply course ideas to the instructional setting as classroom environment, but many GAs apply course ideas to a wide variety of professional contexts outside of the classroom setting as well.

Is the course relevant for GAs from different departments with such different roles and responsibilities? GAs from nearly every department who have taken the course think so! IST510 explores instructional communication ideas that can enhance your skills and confidence, whether you are involved in GA project work, community-based work, teaching a course, assisting a professor, teaching laboratory sections, leading a discussion section, grading, or meeting one-on-one with students.

What can I gain from meeting with GAs outside of my own area? Many GAs and Mentors have told us that this was one of the most valuable aspects of the course. They enjoyed the contact across departments, broadened their knowledge about the graduate experience at PSU, and gained new ideas from other programs that they could easily apply to their own GA work.

What kinds of topics are discussed? Topics include Dealing with Difficult Situations, Presentation Strategies, Leading Discussions, Encouraging Active Participation and Learning, Feedback, Evaluation and Grading, Intercultural Communication in Instructional Contexts, Communicator Style in Instruction, and more.

How do I register and find out course meeting times? IST510 is found in the class schedule under "Interdisciplinary Studies." You can find course meeting times and register for the class as you would any other graduate level course.

Who can I contact for additional questions? You can call or email IST510 course instructor Janelle Voegele at 725-8341 or voegelej@pdx.edu.