By Christine Fry-Pierce, Office of Research and the Graduate School
PULLMAN, Wash. A new session, “Leadership in Lab Instruction,” at the recent Washington State University graduate teaching workshop proved so popular that organizers had to bring in extra seats. The annual workshop hosted 190 graduate students an especially good turnout considering it took place on the Saturday of the three-day MLK weekend.
“The sheer number of eager participants on a holiday weekend showed how important becoming an effective instructor is to the graduate students at WSU,” said Rachel Halverson, an associate professor of German who led a session on discussion techniques. “It’s exciting to work with new teachers so eager and inspired to teach their students effectively.”
“Passion for teaching is alive and well at WSU,” echoed Chuck Munson, associate professor in the College of Business and president of the WSU Teaching Academy.
The academy joins with the Graduate School to host the annual January workshop. This year’s sessions included topics such as managing small classes, teaching large classes, discussion techniques, lab leadership, writing assignments and assessment.
“The Teaching Academy has been honored to team up with the Graduate School for several years now in providing TA training,” Munson said. “The event was once again a great success.”
The workshop is part of the Office of Research and Graduate School Professional Development Workshop Series. For information on upcoming spring workshops, see the earlier article here.