Learning Assistant (LA) Program

Overview

The Learning Assistant (LA) Program enables student LAs to support the goals of their faculty mentors through peer-to-peer small group facilitation in the classroom. LAs have skills and training in pedagogy that allow them to reflect on classroom learning, make meaning from that reflection, and provide insight and ideas to work collaboratively with faculty to improve outcomes. In this way the program is uniquely different from traditional classroom support.

Talented students are recruited, preparing them for teaching careers. The transformation of courses involves creating environments in which students can interact with one another, engage in collaborative problem solving, and articulate and defend their ideas. The program provides a resource to help faculty implement and sustain pedagogical change in their classrooms. Please Note: Learning Assistants provide support to classes in all learning modalities including in person and synchronous/asynchronous virtual classrooms.

The Learning Assistant (LA) program is based on the model developed at the University of Colorado - Boulder.

To be a part of the Learning Assistant program, all faculty and students must submit an application. These applications, along with interviews, are used to make optimal matches between student LAs and faculty mentors. Pairings are based on pedagogical needs/plans, personality match, experience, and alignment of goals between the LA and mentor. Decisions and placements are made within the two weeks preceding the start of the semester.

Important Program Dates

November 13, 2020
Spring LA Recruitment Fair
Watch Recruitment Fair Video Here
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November 13, 2020
Application Process Opens

January 1, 2021
Application Process Closes 

January 4 - 18
Interviewing Process

January 18-25
Notifications Mailed Out

Learning Assistant NEWS

July, 2020—Dr. Andrew Ferrante Joins LA Program Committee

Dr. Andrew Ferrante, a visiting lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy, has joined the LA Program Committee. We welcome him and look forward to working together to continue to develop this program to the fullest  —transforming classroom learning sustaining pedagogical change.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr, Moumita Das for her service on the committee, as she continues to support the LA Program while moving on to help RIT STEM students in other ways.

May, 2020—Congratulations to Our 2020 Learning Assistants

The 2020 Learning Assistant Recognition of Excellence Award
goes to Eva Earnest.

Honorable Mentions:
Kyle Buohl
Morgan Mistysyn
Aleea Wrightstone

We present these with gratitute for outstanding dedication and service as a Learning Assistant.

August, 2019—LA Program on RIT Intersections

LISTEN to the podcast with Dr. Dina Newman, faculty LA mentor and recent graduate and Learning Assistant, Gretchen Horst.

ourses that have been supported by the LA Program: