How to Teach for the ITaP Test

Many universities offer competitive international teaching assistant programs (ITAP) that offer international students positions as teaching assistants. Before qualifying for an international teaching assistant position, candidates must pass an ITAP test. Tests can vary from university to university but follow a consistent format. Candidates teach a brief lesson on an introductory text and answer questions from the audience that consists of students, faculty and staff. ITAP tests also include an English proficiency test for students coming from abroad who do not speak English as their primary language. Teaching for the ITAP test helps prepare your students to successfully qualify for international teaching assistant positions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide candidates with freshman textbooks in their subject areas. Assign introductory chapters from the textbooks for the candidates to teach.

    • 2

      Require candidates to prepare an outline for their lesson. Have them write key points from their outline on note cards. Limit presentations to approximately five minutes.

    • 3

      Pair the candidates. Have one candidate time the other's presentation and then switch roles. Ask each candidate to share his impressions of the other's presentation.

    • 4

      Practice asking and answering questions on the presentations. Require candidates to write out five to ten questions about their own presentations and formulate succinct answers.

    • 5

      Rehearse presentations. Ask each student to deliver her presentation before the entire group. Allow the other students time to ask questions. Require candidates to write down any questions that they struggled to answer and write out a revised answer.

    • 6

      Provide practice English as a Second Language tests to non-native English speaking candidates. Recommend study materials and conversation groups to those who earn low or failing scores on the practice exams.

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