Talking Matters: Research on Talk and Communication of International Teaching Assistants

International Teaching Assistants are (largely) Chinese, Indian, and Korean biology, chemistry, math, and physics graduate students in the U.S. and Canada who are supported by teaching undergraduate courses in their areas of study. In 2010, their numbers increased to 242,061 in the U.S. and they comprised 15.5% of all graduate students. Many undergraduate science, math, and engineering courses are taught by ITAs. Indeed, ITAs make undergraduate education possible, and as instructional faculty are active contributors to the learning of North American undergraduates. ITAs teach in English, which is often their second language. This presents formidable challenges for ITAs’ ability to engage in sustained talk and communication as they explain difficult content and manage classrooms in an educational culture different from their own. Talking Matters authors take ITA research into new areas using new perspectives with the purpose of improving the communication skills of ITAs and undergraduates, thus enhancing undergraduate learning outcomes. The book:1. Showcases recent applied research on the professional talk and communication of ITAs, and their interactions with undergraduates. 2. Was developed for on-the-ground use by ITA educators, faculty members in academic departments, and other staff members charged with ITA support.3. Includes In a Nutshell sections which highlight action points that can be taken on the basis of each chapter’s findings and recommendations.4. Provides photocopiable learning materials offered by chapter authors.