Peer Visitation Assignment

You are required to visit a section led by one of the experienced GSIs listed below, sometime during the first few weeks of class (excluding the unique first week).

GSI Email Section Times
Aaron Lee a.t.lee@berkeley.edu Tues 1-2 PM, 4-5 PM
Thea Steele tnsteele@astro.berkeley.edu Thurs 9-10 AM, 10-11 AM
Chat Hull chat@astro.berkeley.edu Mon 12-1 PM, 2-3 PM

Please choose a partner and email him/her, with a cc to me (jhshiode@berkeley.edu), by Monday, August 31 at 5 PM. Arrange to visit one of their sections before Sept 21st (Monday after the third full week of classes), when we will discuss the visits as a class. If possible, try to attend during the second week of sections so you can see a good example as early as possible.

During the section and right afterwards, jot down a few notes on what went on in the section (you should probably read the questions below before your visit so that you can think about them during the actual section). Take special note of how engaged the students seem to be during different activities. Arrange to meet with your partner for a few minutes after your visit (either immediately, or at your soonest shared convenience) to compare your opinions on how the section went, and just talk shop.

This is due on 9/21 when we will discuss the results for the group as a whole.

Worksheet

Observing GSI:

Observed GSI:

Date & Time of Section Observed:

  1. Briefly summarize the section that you visited (e.g. what was taught, how it was presented, any demos or activities that were used).
  2. Describe the student's reactions (e.g. were they engaged, did all students/groups participate equally).
  3. What activities engaged students most? Least?
  4. How does your impression of the section compare to that of your more experienced partner (e.g., do you agree on which activities worked well)?
  5. List two or three of the GSI's strengths.
  6. What's one thing that you saw that you'd like to incorporate into your own sections? (Feel free to list more than one.)