Spring 2008:
Section Schedule
Fall 2008:
Orientation Schedule
ITADP Courses
The ITADP offers a sequence of four courses: EDUC 578, EDUC 579, ALS 580, and ALS 581. The overarching goal for all ITADP courses is to provide structured language and teaching development opportunities. Small, student-centered classes meet twice a week for 75 minutes.
The curriculum addresses instructional strategies as well as general language issues including fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. In weekly small group tutorial sessions, instructors work with students to create an individualized plan for language development.
There are three major components of each course:
Linguistic Proficiency
ITADP courses offer international TAs the opportunity to develop and refine their oral English proficiency through interactive activities that focus on communication in authentic academic contexts. Areas of linguistic proficiency addressed in these activities include:
- Pronunciation of specific phonemes (vowel and consonant sounds)
- Intonation and rhythm of American English
- Grammar and time frames
- Fluency development
- Vocabulary
- Slang and idiomatic expressions
- Culturally defined rhetorical and speech compensation strategies
Cross-cultural Classroom Dynamics
This component of the program focuses on issues related to teaching and learning in cross-cultural higher education settings (Cornell in particular). Technical information is integrated into activities that center on practical questions related to pedagogical development. Areas of focus include:
- Planning and organizing material
- Presenting information clearly and effectively
- Developing interactive, student-led teaching strategies
- Managing a classroom
- Understanding issues related to diversity
- Motivating and evaluating students
- Seeking support in teaching situations
- Developing individual teaching philosophies and identities
Academic Practicum
ITAs are given the opportunity to integrate their linguistic and teaching skills through activities that take place in or approximate authentic academic contexts. These activities are designed to give ITAs “real-world” experience and include:
- Video-taped micro-teaching presentations
- Role-play scenarios
- Discussion leading
- Conference presentation rehearsals
- Simulated interviews
- Peer feedback opportunities
- Classroom visits
- Regular consultations with undergraduate students (i.e. language consultants)
- Social events with other graduate students