Being a Learning Assistant is a wonderful experience for undergraduate students at Florida Atlantic.
In addition to having been successful in their coursework, an LA is expected to bring together professionalism with peer-assisted learning. To do this, LAs must continue to develop their skills. All LAs will engage in trainings, including attending a pedagogy seminar course during the first semester as an LA. Faculty help continue the training and guidance through weekly preparation meetings that typically last from 1-1.5 hours, depending on the class and subject.
LAs are expected to:
· Attend the semester kick-off training and team meetings.
· Attend each lecture, every week, for the semester.
· Prepare individually for class and review the specific content (1-hour a week).
· Participate in planning meetings (1-1.5 hours a week) with the lead professor and other LAs.
· Complete the semester-long pedagogy seminar within the first semester of employment.
· Maintain a balance between being a peer and being a professional LA by modeling behaviors that can lead to academic success, such as: being on time for all classes and office hours, sending well written and timely emails and announcements, promoting a growth mindset, and sharing resources available on campus.