Learning Assistant Program

Offered every fall and spring semester, the Learning Assistant (LA) Program immerses Faculty/Staff Partners and trained student Learning Assistants in a guided partnership to support the successful implementation of active and inclusive pedagogical strategies to enhance learning for all students. LAs are knowledgeable about the topics explored in the course they are working with and about strategies that support student learning. Due to high demand, the LA Program application process is competitive, and successful applicants will need to describe how they plan to develop and include active and inclusive pedagogical strategies in their courses, and how they hope to examine student learning or progress. Selected Faculty/Staff Partners work with the CTL to select a Learning Assistant for their course using an application-based process.

The Faculty/Staff Partner and LA work together to implement active and inclusive pedagogies in a course. LAs are active participants in the classroom, and during class sessions their main focus is facilitating active learning. Active learning occurs when students engage in learning by practicing skills, applying knowledge, and reflecting on their process. Active learning can take many forms and can be done individually or collaboratively, and scholarship on active learning has shown that its use improves student outcomes.

Outside of the classroom, LAs and Faculty/Staff Partners work closely to plan class activities and to identify how they can best support student learning. Additionally, LAs hold regular sessions outside of class where students can practice applying their knowledge, ask questions, and develop new learning techniques. LAs are trained to help students find the answers to their own questions and to provide feedback. LAs do not engage in evaluative grading. 

Through the Learning Assistant Program, Faculty/Staff Partners can expect to be exposed to new ideas and try pedagogies they haven’t yet explored. Integrating new methods of active and inclusive teaching and learning in a course can be a challenging and vulnerable process. The CTL offers ongoing programing to support Faculty/Staff Partners’ pedagogical development! 

Applications for the Fall 2025 Semester are open now. The priority application deadline for Faculty/Staff Partners is April 8, 5pm.