Graduate Resources for Inclusive Peadagogy
An Instructor Learning Community funded by The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Teaching and Learning
Meet the Team Leads
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Enrique Aguayo
PhD Student in Counseling Psychology
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Ana G. Vielma
PhD in Human Development, Culture and Learning Sciences
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Taylor Payne
PhD in Human Development, Culture, and Learning Sciences
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Dr. Stephanie Cawthon
Faculty Supervisor
Human Development, Culture, and Learning Sciences
Current Issue:
Graduate students often take on the additional responsibility of becoming an Instructor of Record or “Assistant Instructor” for undergraduate courses.
This can be a complex and isolating transition for many as they begin to navigate their new role as the power of authority in the classroom.
How can we better support graduate student Assistant Instructors?
Our Focus and Aim
Create more culturally responsive graduate student instructors
Design more inclusive classroom environments
Build a sense of community for those appointed to these academic positions
We recruited 10 graduate student Assistant Instructors from various colleges and departments at UT Austin!
Our Focus Group Discussion Topics
Select Findings & Quotes
To protect the privacy of our participants, we have provided pseudonyms for all graduate student Assistant Instructor quotes.
“It's like it seems like the paint is never done drying, and that's what it feels like when I’m teaching.”
-David
“I was very happy to interact with Assistant Instructors from other departments. We rarely get this opportunity. It made me feel less lonely in this process.”
-Cathy
“I loved being able to chat with fellow graduate students who are also assistant instructors--and, for some, are first-time instructors. I appreciated the collective knowledge I gained from this experience and learned a lot of new ideologies that I can apply to my own teaching and classroom.”
-Xiomara
Key Takeaways
Graduate Assistant Instructors carry a heavy burden.
The transition in power dynamics is complex.
Establishing boundaries is necessary.
Isolation has a substantial impact on this population.
Graduate Assistant Instructors need a supportive community.
