The Learning Assistant Program
The Learning Assistant Program immerses Faculty/Staff Partners and student Learning Assistants in a guided partnership to support the successful implementation of active and inclusive pedagogical strategies to enhance learning for all students. The Center for Teaching and Learning guides the partnership, offering intense course design and pedagogical support.
What is a Learning Assistant?
Learning Assistants (LAs) are student employees who are matched with a course and Faculty/Staff Partner. LAs provide insight and feedback about the course experience and participate in the collaborative development of active and inclusive learning experiences. LAs interact with students in and out of the classroom to provide learning support.
Who can be a Learning Assistant?
An LA is a student who has already taken the course they are applying to work with or who has done course work that provides experience with the Faculty/Staff Partner’s content and goals. LAs are successful students, but not necessarily “A” students. Students who struggled with course material often provide thoughtful insights into delivery of material and are adept at identifying stumbling blocks in student learning.
LAs receive training for their role by enrolling in TL101: Teaching and Learning Essentials for Peer Learning Assistants. TL101 may be taken prior to or during the first semester of employment as an LA. Learn more about TL101 here.
What Learning Assistants Do
Throughout the semester, LAs engage in active pedagogical partnerships with a Faculty/Staff Partner and members of the CTL to plan, adapt, and construct the learning experience students have in a course. While specific responsibilities and workload may vary by course, the key features of the Learning Assistant role are described below. LAs can expect to work between 5 and 10 hours a week.
Attending Class: It is essential that LAs attend all class sessions to engage with students during activities and help guide their learning processes. LAs are not required to attend lab sessions, office hours, or other class meeting times outside of class periods scheduled by the registrar.
Hosting Student Support Sessions: LAs can support student learning beyond the classroom by hosting additional learning sessions. LAs offer two distinct types of learning support: LA Plus Sessions (LAPS) provide structured support, and Drop-In Sessions provide an informal opportunity for student questions and discussion. After discussing the needs of their students, LAs work with their Faculty/Staff Partner and the CTL to develop the type(s) of session they’ll offer and to establish a schedule.
Partnership Meetings: The CTL facilitates regular opportunities for the LA and Faculty/Staff Partner to design their work together. Topics including logistical plans, reflection on recent class sessions, course design, upcoming student needs, and teaching strategies that promote active learning in class.
Learning Assistants are paid at the Level 1 rate, in accordance with Colby’s Student Employment Policies. The 2024 Level 1 rate is $14.15/hr.