I’m happy. Y’know why? Because we have three amazing new colleagues at the CITL who have joined us this semester. We’ve introduced Da’Ja’, as well as Aaminah, and today we’re meeting Maggie Gilchrist (she/her), our new Graduate Student Instructional Consultant! I reached out to Maggie and asked her some questions, so that we could get to know her better.
Can you introduce yourself a little? What’s a hobby or two you enjoy? Tell me a little about your research. Bonus points if you can make it understandable to a novice 😊
My name is Maggie Gilchrist, and I am a PhD Candidate and Teaching Fellow in the English Department, as well as a Graduate Assistant Instructional Consultant at the CITL. My research focuses on late Middle English romances; specifically, I draw on Judith Butler’s concept of mournability in Frames of War to analyze how medieval texts frame certain bodies as worthy of mourning while others remain unmourned/overlooked and marginalized. I am particularly interested in the ways in which these texts critique these frames of mourning, asking readers to see the harm that stems from perceiving only certain people as precarious beings. In the classroom, I have taught a range of discussion-based courses (from composition to Intro to Fiction), and I am always working on ways to engage students in analysis-based discussion. At the CITL, I help graduate student instructors develop teaching techniques and practices in ways that engage all students in their classrooms. Outside of research and teaching, I love reading fantasy novels and going on hikes.
What’s a moment from teaching you’ve really enjoyed?
My favorite moments teaching all have to do with when a student realizes they are doing something they did not think they were able to do. I remember my first semester teaching at IU, when a student struggled to develop a thesis and claims for significance. She did all of the readings and regularly participated in class, but she struggled to move from a summary of the text to an argument about the text. After weeks of working together both in class and during office hours with little improvement, she had a sudden epiphany during class discussion of a film. After another student voiced their impression of a particular scene, she chimed in with “but I think this scene is making fun of toxic masculinity….” When I asked her why, she immediately pointed out evidence from the film to support her view. I will never forget the look on her face when I said, “There! That’s a thesis!” After she realized she could do it once, she had a much easier time developing theses and supporting them with concrete evidence.
What’s a piece of teaching advice you’d give to a graduate student new to teaching at IU?
My biggest advice for graduate students new to teaching is to realize you are not alone and that asking questions/seeking help means that you are passionate about your teaching, not that you are struggling. IU has a robust community of graduate student instructors who are constantly coming together to share their experiences and ideas. So, join a Graduate Student Learning Community, take part in the Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship Program, and/or come by the CITL for a one-on-one consult, because you are not alone.
What are you looking forward to doing at the CITL?
I think the thing I am looking forward to the most in terms of working at the CITL is connecting with graduate student instructors from across campus. I can’t wait to meet with instructors—whether in a group workshop or one-on-one—who are eager to get the most out of their class time with students. As a first-generation college student, I know it can be difficult to find your footing in graduate school, particularly as an instructor. I am eager to help graduate student instructors build confidence and find their balance in the classroom.
Much appreciation to Maggie for taking time to answer these questions! Maggie is available to meet with instructors for one-on-one consultations or to come speak during pedagogy courses. If you want to meet with Maggie, reach out to citlgrad@indiana.edu. And look for upcoming programming with Maggie on our events page! We’re grateful to have Maggie on our team at the CITL!
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