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GSI OET
The Graduate Student Instructor Oral English Test (GSI OET) is a speaking assessment for prospective GSIs at the University of Michigan. It is designed for graduate students whose undergraduate education was completed in a non-English-medium institution.
GSI OET overview
The GSI OET evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a university teaching environment. The test simulates real-world communication tasks typical for graduate students, takes about 20 minutes, and is conducted digitally via Zoom.
The test is conducted in April, May, August, November, and December.
Task 1: Warm-Up
The candidate engages in a brief conversation with the evaluators about their background and educational interests and is encouraged to engage actively, contribute to topic development by offering extended responses, and to ask the evaluators questions as part of the interaction. Time: 3 minutes
Task 2: Lesson Presentation
The candidate teaches a lesson to evaluators based on a topic or concept selected in advance that reflects material typically covered in an introductory-level class or lab session within the department where the candidate would be working. Evaluators will ask questions similar to those undergraduate students might pose. The candidate should focus on promoting the evaluators’ understanding of the topic. Time: 5 minutes
Task 3: Office-Hour Role Play
The candidate participates in a problem-solving situation with an evaluator, who takes on the role of a student attending the candidate's office hours. In this interaction, the "student" seeks advice or guidance regarding administrative matters or personal academic concerns. Time: 2-3 minutes
Task 4: Video Questions
The candidate responds to five pre-recorded video questions from undergraduate students, each reflecting common concerns or inquiries. After each question, the recording is paused to allow the candidate to address the inquiry. Candidates are expected to offer thoughtful, relevant responses that appropriately address each question. Time: 3-4 minutes
GSI OET rating process and scores
During the GSI OET, evaluators observe and assess the candidate in real time, taking notes and recording comments based on established evaluation criteria. After the test is complete and the candidate has left the Zoom room, each evaluator independently assigns a holistic rating to the candidate’s performance. The evaluators then discuss their observations, share perspectives on the candidate’s linguistic strengths and areas for improvement, and work collaboratively to determine a final, consensus-based rating.
| Score | Result | Meets teaching eligibility requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
A |
High Pass |
Yes |
|
B |
Pass |
Yes |
|
C |
Fail |
No |
|
D |
Fail |
No |
Important Notes:
A candidate’s overall performance across all tasks is evaluated holistically, resulting in a single, comprehensive final score.
- Candidates are evaluated solely on their English language communication skills, not on teaching ability.
- Each candidate is assessed individually; ratings are not compared across candidates.
- Test results are reported to the relevant departments within 48 hours of test completion.
Watch a sample GSI OET
Watch a full-length sample video of the GSI OET in the previous, face-to-face format. While the current test is now conducted via Zoom, this video reflects the same tasks and overall process. The sample is provided to help candidates understand the structure and flow of the assessment.
GSI OET security protocol
To ensure academic integrity in a digital setting, candidate must:
- show a photo ID to the camera to verify identity
- provide their UMID and uniqname to confirm student status
- perform a 360° scan of their exam environment
- show and turn off their cell phone(s) and other electronic devices
Should a candidate have any concerns about the security protocol, they should contact [email protected]
Tests are scheduled by University of Michigan departments. Departments will coordinate with Michigan Language Assessment and inform students of dates. Contact [email protected] for more information.