Learning Assistants - Academic Affairs

Empower Your Peers for Academic Success

Based off the international Learning Assistant model, the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Learning Assistant Program places high achieving undergraduate students in courses they have previously completed to support KSU’s student success efforts. These Learning Assistants, or LAs, assist students in developing strategies that will help strengthen their knowledge, develop transferable learning skills, and achieve academic success.

LA Hub

ksu student learning how to become a learning assistant.

What is a Learning Assistant?

Learning Assistant Responsibilities

Attend and participate in mandatory, in-person NEW LA Training.

This training is held once a semester and is designed to get new Learning Assistants familiar with the role and program policies and procedures.
Attend all class meetings for the assigned LA Course and read assigned materials.

Learning Assistants are expected to attend each lecture for the sections that they are assigned to, as well as keep up with the class so that they are able to support during class.
Meet weekly with course professor to prepare for class.
Learning Assistants are expected to meet at least once per week with their faculty mentor to prepare for upcoming classes, including:
- discussing course content
- expectations
- any classroom or student concerns.
Attend required pedagogy trainings during the semester.

All Learning Assistants are required to complete Pedagogy Trainings throughout the semester. These one-hour trainings are opportunities to enhance their pedagogical knowledge to better assist in the classroom.

Two to four hours of Pedagogy trainings are required of SI Leaders per semester.
Submit the LA Weekly Report Form each week.

Learning Assistants are expected to complete the weekly report form
Role model effective behavior of successful students and maintain a professional attitude at all times.

Learning Assistants should act as a model student when in the classroom and not helping to facilitate activities. They are also expected to be professional when interacting with students, faculty, staff, and coworkers.

Learning Assistant Qualifications

Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at Kennesaw State University.
Have completed the LA course with a B or higher in a previous semester.
Maintain an institutional GPA of a 3.0 or higher.
Good academic standing and student conduct record.
Possess excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrate patience and sensitivity toward students.

Goals and Structure of the Learning Assistant Program

Goals of the Learning Assistant Model

Course Transformation

The LA Model supports the transformation of courses from passive learning environments into learning spaces characterized by active engagement. Transformed courses involve active learning and opportunities for groups of students to work toward a learning goal and for instructors to make instructional decisions based on student ideas.
Research

The LA Model introduces and supports conversations among research faculty about education research and its role in creating effective learning spaces.
Institutional Change

The LA model acts as a change agent in faculty, departments, and institutional practices by providing infrastructure to support and reward instructional innovation.
Recruitment

The LA Model is an effective method of recruitment and preparation for future K-12 teachers. It can both provide exposure to and generate interest in undergraduates who have never thought about teaching as a career before and help those who are unsure decide if teaching is right for them. Meanwhile, the LA Program emphasizes "best practices" and provides diverse student support, which are helpful for students at any level.

Essential Elements of the Learning Assistant Model

Practice

LAs lead learning teams during class - focusing mainly on eliciting student thinking and helping each group member participate in developing a shared understanding of the content.

Preparation

LAs and their lead instructor meet as a team at least once per week to prepare for future classes and exchange information about how students are interacting with the course.

Pedagogy

LAs receive training on pedagogy and tutoring that introduces them to research and strategies that support conceptual development by:

Eliciting student ideas
Listening and questioning
Building relationships
Integrating learning theories with practice.

*2023 Learning Assistant Alliance

Interested?

Faculty

Hire a Learning Assistant

Faculty interested in having Learning Assistants embedded in their course sections must:

Complete the Learning Assistant Faculty Request Form (listed below)
Meet the following expectations during the semester:
- Lead weekly content preparation sessions with your LA(s) to prepare for future classes, develop deeper content understanding, explore specific pedagogical content knowledge, and exchange information about how students are progressing in the course.
- Complete the LA Program Engagement Survey at the end of the academic year about what worked well for students, what you would do differently next time, and about the effectiveness of the Faculty-LA Working Relationship.

If you are new to the LA program and want to discuss possibilities for LA use in your course, please contact us at LAProgram@kennesaw.edu. Additionally, for more resources on how to create active learning environments within the classroom (including the use of LAs), please visit the below resources:

Learning Assistant Alliance

Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Kennesaw State University

Students

Become a Learning Assistant

Faculty recruit and select their Learning Assistants for the upcoming semester. Instructors identify students who demonstrate strong academic ability, professionalism, and a genuine interest in supporting peer learning. If you would like to be considered, you are encouraged to reach out to the faculty member you hope to work with so they can learn more about your interest and determine whether you may be a good fit for their instructional team.

Students new to the LA program will be asked to complete an application, which faculty will share with you if they wish to move forward.