My central goal as an educator is to inspire and motivate students to grow as learners, to prepare them for professional life, and to encourage them to become more informed, engaged individuals in the world around them. While my courses vary in subject and structure, I ground each class in three overarching objectives: (1) that students master the course material, (2) that they develop and embrace critical thinking skills, and (3) that they strengthen personal and transferable skills such as communication and collaboration. I design my teaching practices—whether through lectures, discussions, assignments, or office hours—to support these goals and help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Associate Instructor
American Politics (Summer 2024, Summer 2025) (UC, Riverside)
Teaching Assistant
American Politics (Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2023) (UC, Riverside)
Comparative Politics (Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Fall 2022, Winter 2023) (UC, Riverside)
Politics of Race, Immigration, and Ethnicity (Summer 2021, Summer 2022, Summer 2023) (UC, Riverside)
Political Behavior in Comparative Perspective (Winter 2022) (UC, Riverside)
Politics of Congressional Elections (Spring 2024) (UC, Riverside)
World Politics (Spring 2023, Winter 2024) (UC, Riverside)
Religious Myths and Rituals (Fall 2024) (UC, Riverside)
Introduction to Arab/ Muslim American Studies (Winter 2025) (UC, Riverside)
Mind and Behavior (Intro to Psychology) (Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019) (Sabancı University)
Research Methods and Statistics for Psychology 1-2 (Fall 2018, Spring 2019) (Sabancı University)
Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
Quotes from Teaching Evaluations
“Definitely cares for students’ success, wanting them to learn and trying to engage with all the students.”
“Busra had a very organized lecture every class and I enjoyed the methods of teaching she presented, such as videos and repetition of material. She made the class approachable and welcoming.”
“Professor Busra was very prepared and organized. She used class time well, created a safe and comforting space, and made it clear she wanted all of her students to succeed. Overall the class was great and Busra was amazing!”
“Although this class was outside my major, I am leaving knowing so much more. Busra’s teaching style engaged my critical thinking. She provided study guides, detailed lecture slides, and answered all questions to help me succeed.”
Congressional Elections (Spring 2024)
“Busra went above and beyond. She was available, compassionate, and truly concerned with students’ learning experiences. I could not have asked for a better TA.”
“Busra was an awesome TA—so helpful and intelligent. She always challenged us to think critically and looked out for our well-being.”
“Great TA, really enjoyed her. Always available and goes above and beyond for students!”
American Politics (Fall 2023)
“She clarified lectures and helped with essay tips.”
“Great TA—her demeanor was welcoming, and she encouraged questions.”
“Very helpful, encouraging, and available to help. Great TA.”
Race, Immigration, and Ethnicity in the U.S. (Summer 2023)
“Ayşe Topal is generous and open-minded. She simplified the readings and made the rapid summer term fun and educational.”
Comparative Politics (Fall 2022)
“She was a great instructor who helped us get a more expansive view on the topics being taught in class.”
“Busra’s class was great—I loved how time was managed and how helpful it was.”
American Politics (Spring 2022)
“I really enjoyed having Busra as my TA. She was very understanding, and her slides made the material easier to understand.”
“Busra was an excellent TA. She was attentive, on time, and created a safe space for discussion. Her class always felt supportive and collaborative.”
Comparative Political Behavior (Winter 2022)
“This was one of my first upper-division classes and I was worried that I might not do so great. I visited her in office hours and she reassured me that I could do it, which was really nice. She also helped me figure out what I might want to pursue in the future with my career, and it was very helpful.”
Comparative Politics (Winter 2021)
“I enjoyed her discussion section because she really explained the material well in ways that were easy to comprehend and apply.”
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