PITAP GRAD courses for Spring 2008

As you know, the Preparing International Teaching Assistants Program (PITAP), sponsored by the Graduate School, continues to support the training and development of international teaching assistants and scholars here at UNC. This semester, we are offering two courses, GRAD 810, Communicating in the American Classroom and GRAD 811 Advanced Communicating in the American Classroom. These courses are open to all current graduate and professional students as 2 credit courses, at no additional charge to the enrolled student. The courses specifically focus on language skills, cross-cultural communication, interactions with undergraduate students, and pedagogical skills. Please encourage international students in your department to enroll in the courses.

I am excited to announce a new development in the PITAP program. Liv Thorstensson Davila, a graduate student in the School of Education/Culture, Curriculum & Change program, is now a teaching assistant with PITAP. She brings expertise in teaching learners of English as a Second Language and will be working with students enrolled in PITAP courses in class and on a one-to-one basis. She will also be developing and implementing new lessons targeted to improve students’ oral language skills. Liv is a great resource and will enhance the development of ITAs at UNC.

Feel free to contact me with questions about the PITAP courses. I also welcome comments and suggestions in how to best support the international students in your department.

Classes will begin meeting on Monday January 14, 2008.

Brian

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Brian Rybarczyk, Ph.D.

Director, Graduate Student Academic & Professional Development

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The Graduate Student Center

211A West Cameron Avenue

CB# 5492

Chapel Hill, NC 27599-5492

Office: (919) 962-2505

Fax: (919) 962-5134

Email: brybar@unc.edu