Ideal mentors meet regularly, even weekly, with their GSIs. Getting What You Want Dean encouraged the new GSIs to ask for what they want. For example, if you want your instructor to observe your section, ask. She also recommends that you approach your professor with a list of questions before you start teaching. Remember that a GSI with a 50 percent appointment should not put in more than 16 to 20 hours a week on average.
Some professors like to be informed, so that they can send out warnings.
Handling Tricky Situations Even starting off on the right foot by getting answers to your list of questions doesn't guarantee you won't run into problems. Students in your discussion class complain that lectures are incomprehensible, an exercise in frustration. In this example as in others, Dean stressed that it's never a good idea to undermine the professor's credibility. Or, take students' questions directly to the professor for clarification. And remember, as a GSI, you can learn as much about how to teach from a badly taught course as from a well-taught one.