Communicating Complex Concepts

“Ms. Hargrett was an incredibly effective instructor. She tested different methods and consistently conformed to those methods which worked best. Furthermore, she demonstrated a strong understanding of the subject material and was capable of explaining difficult concepts.” (Fall 2019: Science and Society)

“I'm super appreciative of how inclusive and honest you are with your students in your approach to teaching. It's a really refreshing and comforting feeling to know your thought process when teaching material and how you always ask what works best for us. I really enjoy the outside materials that you incorporate into our discussions as well, it helps contextualize the readings a lot more for me.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“I feel like we have lots of different avenues for learning through discussion, notes that we take, and our GSI giving her own insight.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“She is very knowledgeable and discusses the material with the group in a way that encourages a deeper analysis. I haven't been to OHs, but her communications through email and announcements are clear and concise.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“I appreciate Elizabeth's dedication to teaching and how well-planned each of our sections are. I have enjoyed the variety of open discussions, group activities, and q&a throughout section, as well.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“Elizabeth is incredibly knowledgeable of the material and the accompanying history! She expresses the concepts in easily understandable terms. I also feel she encourages us to give and express our thoughts, feelings, and conclusions; doing so has fostered very honest conversations where students have expressed their candid frustrations and upset with the history of our nation. It feels like a safe space to discuss such heavy concepts.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

Encouraging Discussion and Critical Thinking

“Elizabeth was excellent! She truly cares if students understand the readings. She helped me dig deep into the readings and not to be superficial about what I read. She asked great questions to help us engage and she’s super knowledgeable and smart. Definitely helped me with my writing and with understanding and dissecting primary sources. Super helpful!” (Fall 2022: History of Disease, Health and Medicine)

“I appreciate the open-ness to ideas/interpretations while always taking us back to sources and checking for validity. Feedback through email/chat has also been really helpful. I feel supported by my GSI for sure.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“Elizabeth was a wonderful GSI – her discussions were super engaging and she did very well to shape them in whichever way the class was going. She was also very generous and helpful when it came to helping with papers and midterms.” (Spring 2019: United States 1865-Present)

“She was absolutely amazing! I feel like I have grown so much during this semester as a student and as a critical thinker, thanks to her!” (Spring 2019: United States 1865-Present)

Meeting Facilitation, Creating a Productive & Collaborative Environment

“I love the energy and organization Elizabeth brings to our 9:00am section. I always feel like we are able to pack a lot into a short discussion time. She keeps us on track and moves the conversation along really smoothly!” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

Elizabeth does an amazing job at guiding the discussion and helping students feel comfortable participating. She is extremely in tune with her students and does an amazing job at adapting to the given environment. I also greatly appreciate how communicative and open she is with her students, and its always apparent that she has our best interest at heart.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“Elizabeth is just always available if we need to meet and I appreciate a teacher who does not let the class just sit there in silence. Instead she’ll ask the questions in a different manner or give an example of an answer so we can start talking.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“Elizabeth is very inclusive and encourages participation in a way that is not intimidating- not an easy feat considering the limitations of zoom. I really appreciate that she fosters an environment that encourages sharing knowledge rather than 'showing it off'.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“I think Elizabeth is extremely active when it comes to checking in on students and whether they have any issues. It is clear that she does a good job of encouraging discussion or checking for clarity during each discussion section.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“I think Elizabeth does a great job! Probably one of my more positive GSIs/great attitude specially for 9 in the morning. Doesn't make me feel like we're her 'job' and seems to really care that we get to the nitty gritty of the readings.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

Inclusivity and Classroom Support

“Elizabeth has been my favorite GSI at Cal. She's so kind, smart, and thoughtful. She brings a really inclusive energy to history. She makes discussion section a comfortable environment for learning and she responds to all our questions. Queen.” (Spring 2019: United States 1865-Present)

“I LOVEEE Elizabeth! She's amazing and really cares about her students and the topics we study. She's very understanding and supportive. She has high expectations of us (in a healthy way, of course) but makes sure that she's provided all of the support and useful materials for us.” (Fall 2018: American History to 1865)

“The instructor was eager to help me, a new university student who had never written history papers before. She was willing to share resources and provide constructive feedback on my outlines. This gave me more confidence to write and feel more comfortable with the material.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“Miss Elizabeth is really good at alleviating the pressures of school and making her class about learning. The fact that she doesn't discuss exams, papers, or assignments too much unless explicitly asked to do so, frees up the class for the discussion to be about all of the things the class finds interesting. She provides just enough background to where the students may refresh their memory on the readings/lecture materials, but not too much to where students can't bring up their own points.” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“I was having a hard time building a foundation for my first paper in class, and after I went to Elizabeth's office hours, I felt so much more reassured and actually enthusiastic about writing! She calmed a lot of the nerves and anxiety I had going into the paper, and I can't begin to express how much that meant to me! Zoom instruction has made it particularly hard for me to stay motivated and engaged, but every week Elizabeth makes our discussion section feel like a safe and comfortable space for me to get involved! She is also extremely responsive. If I ever reach out, she is quick to provide feedback!” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).

“I really like how Elizabeth emails us frequently and keeps us updated on what is going on in the class. This really helps me to stay organized because I am reminded of important things I need to get done for class through her frequent emails. I appreciate how kind she is, I never feel minimized or judged for not knowing the right answer or struggling with a concept. They are also very responsive to emails!” (Spring 2021: History of Civil Rights and Social Movements in the United States).