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Intercultural Communication Center Preparing for the ITA Test

Who Needs to Take the ITA Test
Preparing for the ITA Test

> ITA Training 
 
> Commonly Asked Questions About Preparing for the ITA Test

Understanding the ITA Test Scoring Guide

 

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ITA Training

ITA training at the ICC is highly individualized. Students receive a detailed evaluation of their language and communication skills after taking either the ITA test or the placement interview.

Students who are sufficiently fluent in English but who need pedagogical training are referred directly to the Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence. Students who need training in either language or culture before they can function as TAs are given an individualized program of study at the ICC that includes a combination of workshops, individual tutoring, and self-paced hours.

Commonly Asked Questions About Preparing for the ITA Test

Do I have to take a specific workshop before taking the ITA test?

No, you do not. There is no single workshop that is appropriate for all students because our program is a highly individualized program.

To have the best chance of passing the ITA Test, you need to develop the language skills in which you are weakest.

For example, one student may need to improve grammar, but has the fluency to explain her field, while another student lacks fluency, but has good pronunciation. These two students would need different programs of study to prepare for the test.

How do I know what workshops I should take?

When you first come to the ICC you will receive a detailed evaluation of your language and cultural proficiency after taking either the ITA Test or the placement interview:

Students who have sufficient English and cultural skills but need teacher training are referred to the Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence.

Students who need language training are prescribed an individualized program of study at the ICC that may include workshops and tutoring. (Note: at the end of each workshop, the instructor may recommend further work, if needed.)

How long does it take to prepare for the ITA Test?

Some students can pass the ITA Test the first week that they are at Carnegie Mellon. Other students need to work for several years to develop the fluency needed to communicate as a teacher. Students who have not achieved at least a score of 15 on the placement interview should plan on several semesters of language work before they can expect to pass the test.

Why do some students take the same workshop more than once?

Learning a language takes time and repeated practice. Students may need to attend a workshop or seminar more than once to improve a particular skill area.

I talk with my advisor everyday. Doesn't that mean I have enough English to pass the ITA Test?

Often students assume that if they can communicate with an advisor or other faculty member then they should have no difficulties communicating with students. However this thinking is flawed for two reasons. First, one-on-one conversation requires less language than does the extended talking required in teaching. In fact, one-on-one conversation with someone from your field can largely rely on the technical language of the field. Students, however, have different listening needs: students are hearing the material for the first time, are often unfamiliar with technical terms, need simple and clear explanations, and expect examples that clearly illustrate theoretical concepts.

What skills are rated on the ITA Test?

The ITA Test is a teaching simulation in front of a panel of four to five raters who rate each candidate on the comprehensibility of their language (e.g., pronunciation, fluency, and grammar), the ability to explain a concept in English, listening comprehension and question handling. Note, students do not need to have native-like fluency and pronunciation to pass the ITA test. While the ITA Test score is based solely on language, we also give feedback on teaching skills and familiarity with American pedagogical style.

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