A Workshop for Graduate Students: Preparing for Teaching and an Academic Career

What makes a good teacher? This is not usually a topic that those of us planning an academic career give much thought to. Curiosity about estuaries and asking questions to satisfy that curiosity is the motivation that drives many of us towards an academic career. However, a critical part of an academic career is teaching. Effective teaching is not something that most come by naturally, but the good news that most of us can improve our teaching skills.

The ERF Education Committee has invited Dr. Heather MacDonald, professor and chair of the Department of Geology at the College of William and Mary, to offer a one-day workshop at ERF 2001. Dr. MacDonald has won numerous awards for being an effective teacher and based on her experience, she has put together A Workshop for Graduate Students: Preparing for Teaching and an Academic Career.

This workshop for graduate students and recent graduates interested in an academic career will focus on development as a reflective teacher. Topics will include an introduction to effective teaching strategies and course design, assessment of teaching, academic job searches, teaching portfolios, preparation of graduate students for teaching, and the first year of teaching. The workshop will include a panel discussion with faculty on academic jobs and job searches.

Registration for the Sunday, November 4, workshop is $20 and includes all workshop materials, refreshments and lunch. Registration will be limited to 30 participants so be sure to sign up for this activity on the ERF 2001 conference web page (http://erf.org/erf2001/ERF2001.htm).