CID Summer 2005 Convening: Developing Effective Teachers Topic 3: Able to Teach University of Pittsburgh - Department of History This Snapshot describes how the doctoral program in the Department of History helps new teachers develop content knowledge together with an ability to perform effectively in the classroom. Historians are uniquely positioned to enable their students to think critically and skeptically about information presented to them both as fact and interpretation. Students understand that history is complex and includes multiple voices and viewpoints. We encourage our students to find innovative ways to teach students to think historically.

Summary Description The Department of History encourages the development of graduate students as teachers in four concrete ways. First, we require our graduate students to take a pedagogical course to introduce them to the specific concerns and challenges for teaching the discipline. The Teaching Seminar prepares students by combining content knowledge with practical experience. Second, the faculty provide consistent feedback to our students with weekly consultations and a sit-in observation culminating in a written student evaluation. Third, our department offers doctoral candidates who have passed their qualifying examinations the opportunity to teach their own course, a stand-alone. These courses enable students to design and to implement their own introductory-level undergraduate course. Fourth and lastly, we encourage our students to participate in innovative teaching projects. For example, the Department of History is working on a new undergraduate course on Global History with active participation of doctoral students in its development and implementation. Tools and Resources Statement of Educational Objectives (Kimball, Eric) Eric Kimball designed and taught an introductory-level history course on Early America. This text explains his decision to design the course in a particular way. Early American History Syllabus Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education (CIDDE) "The Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education serves the teaching and learning mission of the University of Pittsburgh by providing support for instructional excellence and innovation in four primary cross-functional service areas: * Instructional Development * Faculty Development * Instructional Support * University Support" (as quoted on their website)

Goals for Students The Department of History prides itself on its devotion to undergraduate education and fine teaching. We train our students to take their content knowledge and to create ways to communicate it. By the completion of their studies, our students have already designed and taught undergraduate courses. Program Context The Department of History is committed to training area specialists who know how to research, teach, and interpret the histories and historiographies of particular places from comparative, cross-cultural, and global perspectives. Professional development of graduate students is encouraged through careful mentoring, teaching and research assistantships, in a monthly departmental research seminar, and self-governance and consultation in almost all departmental activities.

How Do We Know? Doctoral students receive consistent feedback from our faculty to assist them in their development as successful teachers. We encourage our faculty to meet regularly with students to discuss their progress or concerns. These meetings help to facilitate that students are meeting the faculty's expectations. The Department of History also requires that faculty observe students teaching in the classroom and must share with them a written evaluation. This evaluation is placed in their academic record and may affect decisions with regard to financial aid. Students who fail to carry out their teaching responsibilities receive corrective measures from faculty and the department chair. Additionally, we praise and recognize students who have an exceptional teaching record. The Graduate Teaching Award is presented annually to a PhD student whose teaching has been outstanding. Applicants must have completed their PhD overview examination and have extensive teaching experience, including an independently taught course. The awardee is chosen by a committee of award-winning history faculty and receives recognition at a department ceremony along with a monetary award. Unanswered Questions Our department is interested in receiving feedback and suggestions for our emphasis on cooperative learning in the classroom. How do you believe our program can better promote teaching? Contact Information Contact person(s): Evelyn Rawski, Graduate Director and Professor of History Email address: esrx@pitt.edu