This course provides training in the practical aspects of teaching. The students will work with a faculty member to learn and develop teaching and communication skills. As part of the course, students will participate in a range of activities that may include: giving lectures, leading recitations, supervising laboratory experiments, developing instructional laboratories, developing instructional material, preparing and grading homework assignments and solution sets, and preparing examinations. Feedback on the recitations will be provided to the student by the faculty responsible for the course. The course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. The evaluation will be based on comments of the students taking the course and the impressions of the faculty. Beginning fall 2026 all incoming PhD students are required to enroll in BE 8950 and complete a teaching practicum in their 3rd or 4th semester.
Penn’s Center for Teaching and Learning offers teaching workshops for interested students.
