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 a Learning Assistant (LA), 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, they reinforce and deepen their own understanding of course material, becoming even more proficient in their field.
• Strengthening Resumes: Working as an LA demonstrates a commitment to education and showcases an active role in improving the learning experience for your peers while providing valuable opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills (core career competencies that are highly valued across all fields). 
• Earning Opportunities: LAs earn $14-16 per hour, recognizing the value of their important contributions and support.

By embracing these opportunities, LAs play a key role in fostering a student-centered learning environment where all students feel included, making a lasting impact on both your peers and the academic community as a whole.

As a valued Learning Assistant (LA), 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, pedagogy seminars, and engaging in meaningful LA-Student Interactions in the classroom.
• Weekly Preparation Meetings (Weekly Prep): Attendance at weekly prep meetings is crucial for effective collaboration with faculty and other LAs. These sessions provide an opportunity to align course objectives, discuss teaching strategies, advocate for students, 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. During class, LAs should actively participate in and facilitate group sessions, guide learning, 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 and program expectations, 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 a Welcoming Environment: Foster a welcoming learning space where all students feel valued, respected, and supported as they pursue their academic goals.
• 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, LAs play an instrumental role in elevating the learning experience for their peers, making a lasting impact on the academic success and personal growth of the students they support. The dedication and commitment of LAs exemplifies 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 and discuss how students are interacting with the course

(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 implemented nationwide over 600 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 increased sense 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/similar course) and be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.

See How to Apply (Faculty & Students) at the top of this page.  

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

1. Faculty submit course proposals
2. Students apply to be LAs
3. Faculty are matched with LAs eligible for their course, may choose to interview their top choices, and decide who they want to hire
4. 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 with faculty and courses.

Tentative Schedule:

Please see How to Apply (Faculty & Students) at the top of this page.