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About the Learning Assistant (LA) Program
The LA Program is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary strategy that engages faculty-student partnerships in teaching and learning, whether in the lab, discussion, lecture, or studio. Learning Assistants (LAs) are faculty-nominated and serve as “pedagogical partners” to the instructor, working closely with the instructor to develop study methods, host review and study sessions, and implement strategies for promoting engagement and active team-based learning in the classroom. The LA is a student who will have already succeeded in the course and is now helping the next group of students to succeed in the course.
The LA Program is a collaboration of Newman's entire learning community--the CTL, the Student Success Center, students, and faculty.
What is an LA?
A Learning Assistant (LA) is not the same as a TA or tutor. Rather, an LA is a “pedagogical partner” to the instructor, a member of the instructional team. The faculty-LA partnership offers valuable insight to instructors on the classroom environment and student learning experience, as it calls on the duo to co-design and co-implement evidence-backed pedagogies for facilitating small group learning. LAs also serve as helpful, knowledgeable peers to students enrolled in the class. Students who serve as LAs have opportunities to strengthen content knowledge in their discipline, establish professional relationships with faculty, and develop transferable professional skills for their future career or graduate studies.
Is an LA a good fit for my classroom?
Learning Assistants work best in flipped (or partially flipped) classrooms and in classrooms where group-based learning and problem-solving comprises a significant portion of the class period.
What are the Instructor Responsibilities for Having an LA?
- Working toward a flipped or partially flipped classroom that allows for ample group problem-solving in the classroom
- A Weekly Prep Session (60-90 min.) with the LA and the Faculty/LA Cohort to prepare for upcoming class
- Participation in surveys and focus groups for the sake of CTL program assessment
- An occasional short reading on the latest research on engaging students, as directed by the instructor of the LA Pedagogy course
- A weekly, informal reflection log.
- A Sharing of the results of your LA experiment at the Annual Conference on Teaching & Learning the following Fall.
How Do I Apply for a Learning Assistant?
Fill out the Application and by Dec. 20, 2024 for the following academic year (2025-26). Faculty will receive notice of award by Jan. 31, 2025.
Newman University is a member of the Learning Assistant Alliance. For more information and resources about LA Programs, visit the Learning Assistant Alliance