This 30-hour course enhances the communication skills for Graduate Instructors so that they become better presenters and instructors in the classroom. This course is suitable for doctoral students who wish to develop their pronunciation and presentation skills. They should also have knowledge on how to design and develop courses for the undergraduates. The interactive nature of the course uses roles plays, debates, games and discussions to provide them with opportunities to practice their pronunciation and presentation skills and to gain feedback on their performance. Students will also receive feedback from their peers and instructor as they take on a rotating schedule and make filmed mini presentations in class. Where possible, the workshop will take on a blended learning approach to increase student engagement and reinforce teaching points. There are 2 parts to this course:
Students who wish to be considered for Graduate Instructors must pass the GI English Assessment, held in April and June each year. This assessment requires students to teach a topic suitable for SMU undergraduates, demonstrating competence in three key areas: pronunciation, classroom presentation skills, and use of Standard English. Failure to meet the required standard in any of these areas will result in failing the assessment.
The assessment panel consists of instructors from CEC, who will evaluate the student's suitability to be a Graduate Instructor and make recommendations to the College of Graduate Research Studies (CGRS). The decision made by CGRS is final, and no appeals will be entertained following the assessment.
CGRS, together with CEC, has established a Pre-assessment in January and March each year to pre-screen the presentation skills of students intending to take the GI English Assessment.
These assessments are mandatory only for students seeking to become Graduate Instructors at SMU.
