The English Language Institute offers a range of courses specifically-tailored to meet the needs of prospective and in-service GSIs at the University of Michigan.
ELI 539 Pronunciation in GSI Contexts
10-week course
Permission of Instructor Required
Current and potential GSIs learn to control and monitor the individual pronunciation features that create challenges for listeners, while learning vocabulary structures and strategies that will help build effective discussion/lab section sessions, and productive office hour interactions. Additionally, the class will focus on:
- Aspects of speaking important for instructors, such as paraphrasing
- Developing a variety of instructional and check-in or comprehension questions
- Learning how to use confirmation and clarification techniques to help build and repair interactions
This special course for current and prospective GSIs includes weekly videotaped practice in simulated labs, discussion classes, office hours and Q and A sessions. (1 credit)
ELI 580 Introduction to GSI Work
10-week course
This course is primarily for international GSIs outside LSA. The course focuses on effective strategies and language GSIs need to succeed in teaching contexts such as delivering interactive lectures, managing group work, giving lab instructions, leading discussions, and conducting office hours.
Participants learn how to:
- Ask more effective questions
- Respond to students in class
- Appropriately clarify as needed
- Develop an awareness of U-M undergraduates’ classroom expectations
Four or five practice teaching sessions on topics from participants’ own fields are videotaped, followed by self, peer, and instructor feedback. (2 credits)
ELI 581 GSI Communication Skills
Permission of Instructor Required
This course focuses on the communication skills international GSIs need to succeed as classroom or lab instructors. Participants expand their language skills in order to:
- Engage in spontaneous and satisfying interactions with students in and outside of class
- Develop interactive lectures and active learning in class
- Understand and respond appropriately to students’ questions
- Address student concerns during office hours
Activities include videotaped practice teaching exercises, classroom observations, office hour role-plays, and interviews. Participants also participate in discussions and observation, and analysis and practice of various classroom communication strategies using video and transcripts of U-M classes.
Each participant creates an individual work plan in consultation with the instructor which addresses their classroom communication goals -- e.g. improving pronunciation, or ability to understand and respond to student questions. (1 credit)
ELI 584 GSI Seminar and Practicum
Permission of Instructor Required
This course supports international GSIs in their first GSI teaching assignment. The focus is on providing new GSIs with practical tools to help them become independent, reflective teachers. Participants learn to assess and increase their instructional effectiveness through the use of:
- Instant Class Assessments
- Early Feedback Surveys
- Self-reflective writing
- Problem-solving via peer discussions
The instructor serves as a consultant for participants’ individual discourse needs and provides language support through individual observations and meetings.
Note: Successful completion of ELI 584 counts toward qualification for the University of Michigan GSI Teaching Certificate. Find out more here. (1 credit)
