• What is an LA?

  A Learning Assistant is a current student who is hired to support student learning through research-based best practices in teaching and pedagogy. LAs typically support large undergraduate classes which are the entry point to a major or subject area. The role of an LA is to support student understanding through discussion facilitation and supporting in-class activities and group work. Being an LA is a great opportunity to solidify your knowledge in a topic, try out teaching and work closely with an Instructor or Professor here at UAA.

  Usually LAs are students who have previously taken (and successfully completed) the course they are an LA for. LAs may be in a course within their major, or any other course they are interested in and able to successfully support group work, in-class activities and discussions in.

• What do LAs say about being an LA?

  "I am determined as a Learning Assistant (LA) to create a supportive learning atmosphere. I aim to foster an environment where students feel safe to ask questions and make mistakes. By using teaching strategies like open-ended questions and encouraging discussions, I hope to instill a growth mindset in students. My goal is to inspire them to approach learning with resilience, embracing challenges as opportunities to grow, and fostering a positive attitude towards their studies." - LA for Biology

  "I aim to promote peer interactions by looking for people sitting alone in the classroom and probing them with the professor's question (during "think-pair-shares") or by asking them and their neighbors the question to encourage a discussion. Encouraging them to engage in a discussion allows the students to take accountability for education. Sometimes, people need a little push, or sometimes, even the facilitation of a conversation can catapult deeper learning that can take place from peer-to-peer interactions." - LA for Biology

  "I often see students doing the right thing in math class, but they don't have confidence in themselves so they question their abilities. A little encouragement and acknowledgment goes a long way." - LA for Mathematics

  "Some ways I promote peer interactions include holding study sessions for the students, where students get to work together on assignments and/or handouts before an exam. I think that the session I did have was great for fostering group discussions and encouraging the exchange of ideas. I also try to facilitate pair activities to create opportunities for students to interact and learn from each other, and develop collaborative and social skills." - LA for Accounting 

  "If there is a student lingering on the outskirts of a group, I try to bring them into a discussion by asking, "Do you have any thoughts on the topic?" When a group asks me for help, I provide them with information to lead them in the right direction, then encourage them to keep talking about it amongst themselves. I try to seek out the groups during our think-pair-shares that aren't talking to each other much and ask them what they're thinking about the subject - this will usually kick start the discussion between the partners. This is important to do as an LA because peer interactions help students communicate and synthesize the information they're learning in lecture. We learn and remember things better when we have a chance to explain/go over/analyze something in our own terms to a peer." - LA for Biology

• What do LAs do?

  Practice: LAs must attend the course they are an LA for and be ready to work with students, facilitate discussion and support in-class activities and group work. Some LAs may also hold optional office hours or exam study sessions outside of class time.

  Pedagogy: LAs are required to attend paid Pedagogy trainings every other week. These trainings provide valuable insight and opportunities to practice teaching pedagogy so you feel best prepared for your role. 

  Preparation: LAs are also required to meet at least weekly with the Instructor or Professor of their LA course. This time is a valuable opportunity to review the subject matter of the upcoming lessons, plan for and understand what activities will be happening in class, and ask any questions you may have. 

• Qualities of a great LA

  To be a great LA you should be:

  • interested in working with your peers
  • comfortable leading conversations and asking questions rather than just providing answers
  • able to effectively communicate with many different learners and diverse groups of people (including students, faculty, staff and others)
• What class can I be an LA for?

  Classes that have had (or currently have) an LA include: Calculus II, Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Biology, Statistics for Psychology, Technical Math and more! If you don’t see a course or topic area you are interested in here please reach out to Kearney Newman, Director of Peer-to-Peer Retention Initiatives or check in with your Professor to see if their course may be using an LA in the future.

• How much do LAs get paid? How many hours do they work?

  LAs are paid $17 per hour and typically work between 5 to 10 hours per week. However, LAs can work up to 20 hours total per week (for example, if you are an LA for multiple courses or multiple sections of the same course, or work in another Learning Commons student employee position). 

• How do I become an LA?

  Check out the Become a Tutor or Student Worker page to see what positions are currently open in the Learning Commons. New LAs are typically hired before the start of Fall and Spring semesters. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an LA, please reach out to Kearney Newman, Program Director of Peer-to-Peer Retention Initiatives: ktnewman@alaska.edu or 907-786-0643.

• My question isn't answered here!

  Reach out to Kearney Newman, Program Director of Peer-to-Peer Retention Initiatives for any additional questions you may have. Email ktnewman@alaska.edu or call 907-786-0643.

Become a Learning Assistant

Think you have what it takes to be a great Learning Assistant? We would love to talk to you! This is a new program at UAA and we are looking for new team members. Check out our "Become a Tutor or Student Worker" page to see open positions in the Learning Commons. Reach out to Kearney Newman, Program Director of Peer-to-Peer Retention Initiatives, to learn more: ktnewman@alaska.edu or 907-786-0643.