Teaching

Courses

Teaching Assistant — ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Fall 2026

Instructor: Dr Steve Trost

Description: This introductory undergraduate course introduces students to the core principles of microeconomics and their applications to real-world economic decisions. I lead four discussion sections, reinforce concepts introduced in lecture, guide students through problem solving, and hold office hours to support students with diverse levels of preparation in economics.

Class Size: 96 students

Teaching Assistant — AAE 374: The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Spring 2023 & Spring 2024

Instructors: Professor Jeremy Foltz (Spring 2023); Professor Vladimir Gimpelson (Spring 2024)

Description: This undergraduate development economics course examines economic growth and development in the global economy, with topics including international trade, comparative advantage, globalization, labor markets, migration, inequality, poverty, institutions, and culture. Across both semesters, I led discussion sections, prepared discussion materials, held office hours, and helped students connect economic theory with real-world development questions.

Class Size: 38 students (Spring 2023); 22 students (Spring 2024)

Overall End-of-Term Evaluation: 4.3/5 (Spring 2023); 4.0/5 (Spring 2024)

Teaching Statement

My teaching emphasizes helping students develop the habit of thinking like economists by connecting economic theory to real-world questions, encouraging active discussion, and building the confidence to apply economic reasoning independently.

View Teaching Statement (PDF)

Selected Student Comments

  1. “Chunxiao was an amazing TA who worked hard to make sure that all students understood the course content. During discussion sections, she used examples and explained things multiple times whenever students had questions.”
  2. “I really like her teaching style and how she sums everything up. Chunxiao does a good job making sure that the topic and goal are clear. The discussion handouts are very well put together, and the discussions are planned out neatly.”
  3. “Chunxiao did a great job leading discussion sections and answering student questions. She was very informative and helpful, particularly during office hours.”
  4. “Chunxiao is always open to meeting and is very helpful during TA office hours.”
  5. “She was very responsive over email and answered any questions I asked very quickly.”