FGCU Learning Assistant Program

A Learning Assistant (LA) is a highly skilled and motivated undergraduate student who plays a pivotal role in our educational community. With the mentorship of course instructors and specialized pedagogical training, LAs actively foster dynamic discussions and interactions among groups of students within diverse classroom environments. By creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages student engagement and ownership of their learning journey, LAs contribute significantly to the overall academic success and growth of their peers. Their dedication to enhancing the educational experience exemplifies our commitment to student-centric learning and collaborative academic excellence.

As Learning Assistants (LAs), you will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of enriching experiences that go beyond traditional classroom roles. Here's what LAs get to do:

• Collaborate in Active-Learning Classrooms: LAs play a hands-on role in active-learning classrooms, where you will facilitate group discussions, lead study sessions, and actively participate in guiding your peers to deepen their understanding of course materials.
• Mentoring Connection: By collaborating closely with faculty, LAs establish meaningful mentoring relationships, providing valuable insights and support to both instructors and students.
• Developing Pedagogical Skills: Through specialized training and hands-on experience, LAs develop essential pedagogical skills, gaining expertise in effective teaching methodologies.
• Reinforcing Prior Learning: As LAs assist students in grasping complex concepts, you reinforce and deepen your own understanding of course material, becoming even more proficient in your field.
• Strengthening Resumes: Your contribution as an LA strengthens your resume, showcasing your dedication to education and active involvement in enhancing the academic experience for others, as well as experience with teamwork, effective communication, and leadership.
• Earning Opportunities: LAs earn $14-16 per hour, recognizing the value of your important contributions and support.

By embracing these diverse opportunities, LAs play a key role in fostering an inclusive and student-centered learning environment, making a lasting impact on both your peers and the academic community as a whole.

As valued Learning Assistants (LAs), you can anticipate a fulfilling and rewarding experience as you embark on your role in enhancing the educational journey of your peers. To ensure a successful and impactful LA program, we have outlined specific expectations that you can confidently embrace:

• Time Commitment: LAs should expect to dedicate an average of 7 hours per week to fulfill all paid LA responsibilities. This includes essential activities such as weekly preparation meetings, individual content preparation, and engaging in meaningful LA-Student Interactions.
• Weekly Preparation Meetings: Attendance at weekly preparation meetings is crucial for effective collaboration with faculty and other LAs. These sessions provide an opportunity to align course objectives, discuss teaching strategies, and coordinate efforts to create a cohesive learning experience.
• Individual Content Preparation: To deliver quality assistance to students, LAs are expected to invest time in individual content preparation. This involves reviewing course materials, familiarizing yourself with lecture content, and developing a deep understanding of key concepts.
• LA-Student Interactions: Engaging in dynamic discussions and interactions with students is at the heart of your role. LAs should actively participate in group sessions, answer questions, encourage critical thinking, and facilitate a positive learning environment.
• Professionalism and Accountability: LAs are ambassadors of academic excellence and are expected to exhibit professionalism, accountability, and respect in all interactions with faculty, students, and staff.
• Adherence to Policies: LAs should comply with all institutional policies and guidelines, including those related to academic integrity, student confidentiality, and work-hour limitations.
• Proactive Communication: Effective communication is essential. LAs should be proactive in seeking feedback, addressing concerns, and collaborating with faculty to ensure a seamless learning experience.
• Continuous Learning: Embrace a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities for professional development, attending the LA weekly pedagogy seminar, and honing your teaching skills.
• Cultivate an Inclusive Environment: Foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all students feel valued, respected, and supported in their academic pursuits.
• Embody a Passion for Learning: Demonstrating enthusiasm for learning and a genuine passion for the subject matter will inspire and motivate students in their own educational journey.

By embracing these expectations, you play an instrumental role in elevating the learning experience for your peers, making a lasting impact on their academic success and personal growth. Your dedication and commitment as LAs exemplify the values we hold dear as an educational community.

(1) Practice: LAs facilitate collaboration in student learning teams;

(2) Prep: LAs meet weekly with their faculty mentor to plan;

(3) Pedagogy: LAs attend a seminar where they reflect on their own teaching and learning and make connections to education literature.

The LA Model has been used nationwide in dozens of universities, and research has shown that:

• it improves student learning, both for the students in the class and for the LAs themselves
• the students in classes with LAs are more engaged and indicate higher feelings of belonging
• LAs graduate faster, are more likely to consider teaching, and are better teachers when they do.

LAs must have earned a B or higher in the course (or subsequent course) and be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.

See resources for information about how to apply to participate. All faculty and student applications are through the Learning Assistant Alliance website.

For each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer), the hiring cycle for LAs goes through three stages:

1. Faculty submit course proposals and receive feedback.
2. Students apply to be LAs and rank their top three courses.
3. Faculty read student applications, may choose to interview their top choices, and then make offers, which students can then accept or decline.

Note: this is entirely separate from FGCU’s Human Resources application and hiring process. This occurs after LAs have been paired up with faculty and courses.

Tentative Schedule:

• Fall cycle:
  • Faculty applications in March
  • Student applications in April (with a second round in June)
  • Hiring from April to July
• Spring cycle:
  • Faculty applications in October
  • Student applications in November
  • Hiring from November to early December
• Summer cycle (dependent on funding and summer session):
  • Faculty applications in March & April
  • Student applications in April & May
  • Hiring from April to June