The teaching practicum History 3920hf is the primary way the department trains new student teachers. All first-time teaching fellows take this course, which presents an introduction to teaching history, both at Harvard and beyond. Through practice, observation, reading and discussion, students gain familiarity with a range of techniques and styles of teaching. Class meetings provide an open forum for first-time teaching fellows and tutors to share ongoing concerns and experiences. The course meets approximately five times per semester. Each meeting centers on a specific aspect of teaching history, including lecturing, leading discussions, responding to student writing, and balancing teaching and research. At the end of the year, students have the opportunity to reflect on their teaching experience and begin assembling a teaching portfolio.
While students are enrolled in the teaching practium, they also work as teaching fellows for courses offered in the History Department or in other departments at the University. During the semesters that students receive teaching fellowships, they typically teach two sections. Enrolled students can learn more about teaching fellowships within the Teaching section of the Graduate Resources website.
