Mock or micro teaching presentation for a teaching fellow or faculty position in sciences

Summary

This video from BCBS Academy provides essential advice for preparing and delivering a mock teaching presentation for faculty or teaching fellowship positions in science-related fields. The presenter highlights the importance of teaching skills, especially for candidates with limited teaching experience. Key points include how to prepare accessible lecture slides, ensure appropriate content for the right student level, and strategies for engaging effectively with follow-up questions. The video also promotes a course designed to help candidates improve their chances of landing the position, with an exemplary presentation from a successful candidate.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mock teaching presentations are a crucial part of academic job interviews in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
• 😀 The main purpose of the mock teaching presentation is to assess if you can teach effectively and at the right academic level.
• 😀 Many candidates struggle with preparing teaching slides and delivering the presentation, especially if they lack teaching experience.
• 😀 The speaker offers a course to help candidates improve their chances of being hired by teaching them how to prepare and deliver a mock teaching presentation.
• 😀 The course also covers how to address follow-up questions from the interview panel after the presentation.
• 😀 An exemplary presentation from a successful candidate in chemistry is included in the course for guidance.
• 😀 When preparing teaching slides, make sure they are accessible, particularly in terms of color choices and text size.
• 😀 Avoid using colors that are not friendly to color-blind individuals, and use text sizes that are readable for both close and far viewers.
• 😀 Tailor your presentation material to the appropriate academic level (e.g., first-year, second-year students) based on the role you’re applying for.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to subscribe for future updates on new courses and videos that may help with academic career development.

Q & A

Why do interview panels ask candidates to give a mock teaching presentation?

The interview panel wants to assess whether the candidate can teach effectively and at the appropriate level for the position. Many candidates focus on research during their training, with limited teaching experience, so this exercise helps them evaluate teaching capability.

What is the significance of preparing accessible lecture slides for a mock teaching presentation?

Accessible lecture slides ensure that all students, including those with visual impairments like color blindness, can understand the material. This includes choosing colors that are colorblind-friendly and using a text size that can be seen by both close and distant viewers.

What should be the main focus when preparing teaching materials for a mock presentation?

The teaching materials should be suitable for the specific group of students being taught. For example, if the material is for a first-year class, it must be appropriate for that level of understanding. The content should be tailored to the expected audience.

What types of positions typically require a mock teaching presentation as part of the interview process?

Mock teaching presentations are typically required for faculty positions or teaching fellowships in science-related fields, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, biomedical sciences, engineering, and other related areas.

How does the course mentioned in the video help candidates prepare for mock teaching presentations?

The course covers essential aspects like how to prepare effective teaching slides, how to give a presentation that aligns with the expectations of the panel, and how to handle follow-up questions. It also provides an exemplary presentation from a successful candidate in chemistry to model the approach.

What is the importance of addressing follow-up questions in a mock teaching presentation?

Being able to answer follow-up questions demonstrates that the candidate has a deep understanding of the material and can engage with students' queries effectively, which is essential in a teaching role.

How should the slides be designed for maximum visibility in a mock teaching presentation?

The slides should have a text size that is large enough for both close and distant viewers, and the colors should be chosen to be legible for individuals with color blindness. It's important to ensure that the slides are clear and accessible for all audience members.

What is the role of color choices in designing mock teaching presentation slides?

Color choices play a crucial role in accessibility. It's important to avoid using color combinations that might be difficult for colorblind individuals to distinguish. Using high-contrast colors can help ensure that all viewers can read the content clearly.

What should candidates do if they have completed the course but still need help with their mock teaching presentation?

If candidates still need help after taking the course, they can contact the course instructor via the provided email address for further assistance.

What should candidates ensure regarding the level of material when preparing for a mock teaching presentation?

Candidates should ensure that the material is appropriate for the level of students they are targeting. For instance, first-year students should receive introductory material, while more advanced content should be aimed at students in higher years.