Ball State does not believe in the sink-or-swim approach.

Throughout their programs, one or more faculty members mentor doctoral students in their teaching. Doctoral students are given teaching opportunities that are within their capabilities. Most doctoral students start as a teaching assistant in a laboratory portion of an introductory course.

They then progress to teaching a small and then a significant part of a course; and finally they have full responsibility for teaching an entire course.

Frequently that full responsibility occurs in a community college or other setting where doctoral students learn to teach in the "real world" of today's college student. Most doctoral students are involved in teaching throughout their programs, so they have a chance to steadily sharpen their skills.