TASSA 2006

Teaching in America: Perspectives of Turkish Graduate Student Instructors

Asil Ali Özdoğru

Teaching in higher education institutions is an arduous task including many elements like adult learner characteristics, instructional design, assessment concerns, and classroom management. Growing numbers of international students carry out various teaching responsibilities (i.e., teaching assistant, co-teacher, and adjunct instructor) in the United States. As one of the leading countries, Turkey is the top eight country of origin for international students. Purpose of this qualitative study is to provide a general perspective on the perceptions and experiences of Turkish graduate students on teaching undergraduate and graduate level classes in the United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 Turkish graduate students teaching in a university setting. In addition to challenges and difficulties of teaching in a different environment, advantages and rewards of this experience were solicited through the interview protocol. Procedure was tailored to capture students' opinions and suggestions about teaching in a multicultural environment. Results suggested that it is not an easy endeavor but a rich and useful experience for both students and instructors to take place in ethnically and culturally diverse classroom settings. Linguistic limitations and cultural differences were the major barriers in creating an effective and efficient learning environment for Turkish graduate student instructors. Having a different background than students and knowledge of international issues were mentioned as being valuable qualities in teaching. Difference between undergraduate and graduate student expectations, needs, and attitudes was also one of the primary points interviewees referred. Implications for multicultural education are discussed in terms of teaching styles and strategies.

Keywords: International students, college teaching, multicultural education

Citation: Özdoğru, A. A. (2006, March). Teaching in America: Perspectives of Turkish graduate student instructors. Poster presented at the 2nd annual conference of the Turkish American Scientists and Scholars Association, Philadelphia, PA, USA.