Suggestions for Developing Classroom Communication Skills

• Register for an ESL course.
  ESL 504: English Pronunciation for International Teaching Assistants
  ESL 506: Oral Communication for International Teaching Assistants
  
  
• Register for a course on college teaching.
  HRE 412: Instructional Techniques
  EOL 585: College Teaching and Academic Careers
  
  
• Sign up to practice English skills and to participate in cultural experiences with the International Friends Program, sponsored by the International Hospitality Committee. For information, contact Vivienne Mackie (328-1569; vmackie@prairienet.org) or Mary Kruse (337-6942; m.kruse@insightbb.com).
  
  
• Sign up to practice English skills and exchange ideas for one hour per week with UIUC undergraduate student volunteers in the Global Partners Program. For information, contact Susan Taylor (344-4726; taylorst@uiuc.edu).
  
  
• Sign up for “Accent Modification” services to help with English pronunciation at the Speech and Hearing Science Clinic (333-2230). There is an hourly fee charged for this service.
  
  
• Visit the Center for Teaching Excellence (249 Armory Building; 333-3370) and watch some videotapes of effective instructors.
  
  
• Ask a current TA to let you observe a lecture or discussion section. This observation will give you a picture of what goes on in the classroom and of what TAs generally are expected to do.
  
  
• Ask a native speaker to help you with the pronunciation of frequently-used terms in your discipline.
  
  
• Practice doing “mini lessons” in English in front of a mirror. Or, make a video or audio tape of yourself giving a short lesson and review the tape with a native speaker to obtain feedback.
  
  
• Form a practice group with other international students and rehearse giving presentations to each other. Ask an experienced TA to watch the practice sessions and provide feedback.
  
  
• Meet new friends and practice English skills at the “International Coffee House” at the Wesley Foundation (1203 W. Green St.) from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Fridays. Anyone is welcome!
  
  
• Take opportunities to improve your listening skills in English—listen to the radio or television programs, listen to tape-recorded messages, and/or interact with native speakers as much as possible.
  
  
• Communicate frequently with native speakers to practice speaking English. For example, form a study group with TAs from your department; join a campus club, sports team, or other informal group; attend social events; or volunteer in the local community.