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Graduate Teaching Program

What is the GTP?

The GTP is a semester program of teaching support and development for PhD student tutors and demonstrators at the ANU. The GTP draws on the expertise of a wide range of staff from across the campus.

"For me, the program provided what I wanted in the way of practical introduction to the tasks of tutoring - and the theory."

"It provided interesting changes in perspective, and forced me to examine in detail thoughts which I had never bothered to scrutinise."

Participants meet each teaching week in the semester for graduate-style seminars and practical activities under the guidance of an academic coordinator.

"It was encouraging to know there are others in similar situations, facing similar issues and problems."

When is it?

In semester 2 2009, it is expected two groups will run (depending on numbers), at these times:

• Monday at 12pm (Group A)
• Tuesday at 3pm (Group B)

The first session (in week 1 of semester) is timed to assist participants before their first teaching class. Session duration is 75-90 minutes each week.

"The program had one of the best atmospheres of any class I have ever taken."

Who can apply?

Open to ANU PhD students from all seven Colleges, places are limited to 60 students each semester.

"Sharing the teaching experience with such a great bunch of other PhD students enhanced my own teaching experience."

How do I apply?

To do the GTP you must be

• an ANU PhD student, and
• teaching at the ANU at the time you do the GTP.

We also recommend you consult with your supervisor about teaching, and participating in the GTP.

"Chance to air problems and reflect in a supportive atmosphere"

There are two steps to apply for the GTP:

1. Register your interest

   Complete the registration form.

2. Obtain nomination by a teaching area

   Once you have organised some teaching, ask the head of the area in which you'll be teaching to complete the online nomination form.

You are encouraged to submit each of the forms as soon as possible, and not necessarily together.

Registrations of interest will be acknowledged, and you will be informed prior to the beginning of semester whether or not you have been accepted into the Program.

"Source of confidence and practical skills"

How do I get a teaching job?

You must organise the teaching with a department at the ANU yourself. Typically, the first step in organising that teaching is to contact the administrator of the department you are interested in, who will be able to tell you how to proceed. Different departments have different methods of organising their part-time teaching.

"I have already found that prospective employers are interested in my having done the course."

If you're not familiar with the courses and programs offered, try browsing the Undergraduate Handbook. That way you'll have an idea of which courses you might like to teach.

"Views were freely exchanged, and even when confronting were valuable. The atmosphere of trust created was such that I felt any problem or difficulty could be discussed."

What's the sponsorship deal?

The Graduate Teaching Program operates a Sponsorship Scheme. The Scheme provides funds to assist Centres/Departments employ PhD students as tutors or demonstrators, enabling them to undertake the GTP. The intention is to provide equity of access to the GTP for all ANU PhD students, by sponsoring participants who otherwise would not be offered a job. People who do not want to do the GTP, but are told by their department they must do the GTP for the money, will not be sponsored. Sponsored students must complete the GTP.

"It was great to get away from the feeling I get from my department that just because I have an Honours degree, I should know what to teach undergraduates."

Assistance is not automatic and is limited to the equivalent of one normal and one repeat tutorial per week, for the semester in which the student undertakes the GTP, with an overall limit of $1800. Students are employed by the Centre/Department, not by the Graduate Teaching Program.

"As a PhD student you are expected to be involved in teaching. yet I have never felt that my Department was interested in the manner in which I taught. The GTP gave me an opportunity to discuss issues that concerned me about my teaching style with an interested group."

Requests for sponsorship are made by the teaching area, on the GTP nomination form.

Deadlines

The deadline for registrations is the Monday before semester commences. If places are still available, late registrations (up to the end of Week 1) will be considered. Places are allocated during the week prior to semester. Prospective participants are, however, encouraged to register well in advance.

The deadline for sponsorship requests is the Monday before semester commences. Sponsorship is allocated during the week prior to semester. If funds remain, late requests (up to the end of Week 1) will be considered. Teaching areas are, however, encouraged to request sponsorship well in advance.

GTP, Pinnacle & GCHE

The GTP is a practical course aimed at helping tutors and demonstrators.

Pinnacle is a semester-length program aimed at assisting research students make the transition to being academic in charge of a course. Participants work with an academic on the delivery of a course, and supported by theory, reflect on their experience throughout.

CEDAM's Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (GCHE) is a formal award course in the academic study of higher education, and most often taken by academics who have been teaching for a number of years.

How do I get more information?

The indicative syllabus gives an idea of the kinds of sessions and activities involved in the GTP.

The GTP rewards consistent attendance by distinguishing the certificates presented at the end of the program.

"Stimulating environment and fun."

Talk to some of the previous GTP participants in your area, and ask their opinion of the course.

"The demands of the program were about right."

The Coordinator of the program is Trevor Vickers. Please contact Trevor for any details about the Program - its syllabus, means of participating, eligibility, or any other matter about which you have questions.

"The atmosphere was relaxed - I felt I could say just about anything."

All PhD students in the University will be sent an email notice in July and January each year inviting them to apply for entry to the following semester's program.

"For me the main achievement was sharing experiences with peers - very valuable."

In the meantime, you can address enquiries about any aspect of the GTP to:

Trevor Vickers
GTP Coordinator
24 Balmain Crescent (Building 1C)
The Australian National University
T: (612) 58205
F: (612) 54829
E:

The quotes used above were provided by previous GTP participants in the anonymous end of course survey, and as such cannot be attributed.