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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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