Graduate Teaching Assistants: Are Business Schools Focusing on Increasing Teaching Excellence?

Recently major universities and business schools have been criticized for their lack of attention to teaching undergraduates. A significant part of this teaching is being carried out by graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). Several calls have been made for changes in the pedagogical and policy instruction provided to GTAs. The authors performed a content analysis on the information used in this instruction at major American business schools. Results indicate that the majority of these schools are trying to improve the quality and effectiveness of their teachers. This improvement is being sought through seminars and classes focusing on pedagogical and policy information useful to GTAs. The authors conclude with a suggested instructional program for GTAs.