Teaching Training in Canadian Political Science PhD Programs
By Dax D’Orazio, University of Guelph, Elise Sammons, Rissa Reist, Noelle Jaipaul and Meagan Auer, University of Alberta
Are graduate students prepared to teach? Our research provides a snapshot of teaching training and mentorship opportunities for Canadian Political Science PhD students. Based on a survey of graduate chairs, we find that most offerings are informal and occur outside departments. Since many graduate students teach as assistants or instructors, robust training is essential to build confidence, enhance undergraduate learning, and support the growth of disciplinary knowledge. While some formal training exists, its interdisciplinary focus often overlooks challenges unique to Political Science. Stronger communication between faculty and graduate students is key to aligning training needs with departmental programming.
The Journal of Political Science Education is an intellectually rigorous, path-breaking, agenda-setting journal that publishes the highest quality scholarship on teaching and pedagogical issues in political science. The journal aims to represent the full range of questions, issues and approaches regarding political science education, including teaching-related issues, methods and techniques, learning/teaching activities and devices, educational assessment in political science, graduate education, and curriculum development.
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