Preparing International Teaching Assistants Program
About the Program
The mission of the Preparing International Teaching Assistants Program (PITAP) is to enhance the communication and teaching skills of International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and to help ITAs maintain the high level of instruction that students have come to expect at UNC.
The PITAP courses prepare ITAs for their role as classroom or lab instructors by helping them:
- develop sound pedagogical techniques for teaching in classroom and laboratory settings at UNC
- build cross-cultural communication skills
- provide a forum for discussing issues related to academic life at UNC
The program offers high level individual guidance, small group sessions, and activities that orient ITAs to standards and methods of University classroom instruction.
All international graduate students who plan to be teaching assistants during their studies are strongly encouraged to register. There is no additional tuition charge to the student for enrolling in GRAD 810 and GRAD 811 who is already registered as a full-time student (9 credit hours). For students not enrolled in 9 credit hours, enrollment in one of the courses may increase the total number of credits resulting in a new tuition rate level. Students should discuss necessary tuition payments with their funding source and academic program, or contact the PITAP instructor for guidance. International post-docs and other international scholars are welcome to audit courses subject to available seating.
PITAP Courses
GRAD 810 – Communicating in the American Classroom
This course is designed to help ITAs increase their communicative competence and enhance pedagogical skills in the classroom. The goals of the course are: 1) to understand and practice basic teaching skills used in the American classroom; 2) to create an awareness of cross-cultural differences; and 3) to improve American English pronunciation and grammar. Throughout the course, students will give a series of videotaped microteaching demonstrations which provide an opportunity to develop their skills. Undergraduate students and faculty will be invited to attend these presentations. In addition, students are expected to meet with the PITAP Teaching Assistant throughout the semester and to obtain a native-speaking conversation partner with whom they can practice their spoken English. This is a two (2) credit, pass/fail course offered both Fall and Spring semesters.
GRAD 811 – Advanced Communicating in the American Classroom
This course will provide ITAs with additional opportunities: 1) to develop more advanced teaching practices used in an American classroom; 2) to introduce other aspects of teaching at the University level, such as creating a syllabus and lesson plans, and developing a teaching philosophy; 3) to create an awareness of cross-cultural differences in and outside of the classroom; and 4) to improve American English pronunciation and grammar. In addition, students are expected to meet with the PITAP Teaching Assistant throughout the semester and to obtain a native-speaking conversation partner with whom they can practice their spoken English. To enroll in this course it is expected that the student has successfully completed GRAD 810, Communicating in the American Classroom. This is a two (2) credit, pass/fail course offered during the Spring semester.
Student Testimonials
Thank you so much. These courses were the most precious and helpful ones that I’ve ever taken
Learning how to interact with undergraduate students was the most beneficial aspect of the course
Extremely helpful for both my teaching and communication skills. Also extremely enjoyable-I felt among friends.
This is a very useful course for me. I feel so relaxed in every class. It accumulated my confidence in future teaching…as well as daily communication with my peers and faculty.
It was really good to have a conversation partner. Thank you so much for suggesting this in class.
PITAP Undergraduate Volunteer Program
For a variety of reasons, international graduate students often find it difficult to get to know Americans and to use English on a regular basis outside of department responsibilities. Undergraduate volunteers can help the International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) learn about American culture and improve their English speaking skills, as well as expectations of students in the University classroom.
As a current undergraduate student, you can become a Language and/or Classroom volunteer. The time commitment is approximately 10-12 hours per semester. This is a great opportunity to build on your volunteer and community service experience.
Language Consultants
- Are assigned an ITA “partner” at the beginning of the semester.
- Meet weekly with their partners for English conversation.
- Discuss mutually interesting topics, including culture, language, and student life.
You need no background in languages – just a desire to learn about other countries and cultures and share expectations of University-level teachers.
Classroom Consultants
- Attend discipline specific microteaching presentations by ITAs enrolled in GRAD 810 Communicating in the American Classroom, and GRAD 811 Advanced Communicating in the American Classroom.
- Take notes and ask questions as you would during any normal class lecture.
- Participate in a discussion/evaluation after each presentation.
Classroom consultants provide ITAs feedback and perspective regarding classroom instruction and interaction.
Both Language and Classroom Consultants attend a one-hour training/orientation session at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.
Contact Information
For more information about the PITAP program, please call the PITAP Director at (919) 962-2505.