Who is this class for? How will this course benefit me?
This class is designed to enhance the teaching skills of graduate (and
undergraduate) students in SEAS. The class provide a platform for
practice, feedback, discussion, and reflection that will help you
become a good and effective teacher. More broadly, the skills from
good teaching (being an effective, confident speaker, a careful
listener, an inspiring mentor, a good communicator and team player)
are useful skills that apply to other aspects of your professional and
personal life. Whether you are a new or experienced teacher, and
whether you love teaching or are teaching primarly to meet a
departmental requirement, we hope this course will not only help you
become a better teacher but also to guide you through a path of
self-discovery that leads to finding your passion and developing your
self-confidence.
How come I have never heard of a class in teaching at Harvard?
Why start one now?
Actually, there are a number of classes on teaching that are offered
for graduate students in individual departments here at Harvard: for
example in psychology, statistics, math, sociology, astronomy,
English, and romance languages. Many students have gotten a lot out
of those classes (in fact, in departments such as statistics and
sociology, the teaching practicum is considered to be essential for
graduate teaching that they are required for all graduate students in
the department.) In particular, the SEAS and Statistics courses have
informed and learned from each other as they've continued to develop.
Training better teachers aside, good teaching tends to create positive
feedback loops that make teaching a rewarding and stimulating
experience. This course aims to provide you with the tools to become
an effective teacher, so that when you are teaching you are having FUN
and that energy and enthuiasm in turn help connect you to your
students and fellow educators. We want you to enjoy and succeed in
your teaching experience, especially if it is your first tme teaching!
I have already taught in the past. Should I skip this
course?
We believe new and old teachers alike can benefit from this course.
Teaching better is not just about doing, but about knowing what it is
that you are doing and improving upon it. The experience of teaching,
while an important component of teaching better, does not in itself
provide forums for self-reflection nor for feedback from peers.
What are the prerequisites for this course ?
There are none. Just come to class with an open mind, ready to engage
in discussions and participate constructively to your and others'
development.
Does this course satisfy any requirements?
For graduate students, this will count for course credit, but will not
satisfy any departmental requirements (nor CHD requirements).
All other students who satisfactorily complete the course requirements
will receive an certificate of achievement for your
active participation in this course.
What if I'm not a SEAS grad student or undergrad? Can I still
take the course?
Absolutely! If you are interested in teaching science and
engineering, you're welcome to take the course.