Large Classroom Setting

Typical Learning Environment

In lecture settings that use personal response systems (“clickers”), Learning Assistants assist with facilitation of peer instruction. They circulate around the class (as does the instructor), making sure all students are engaged in discussion, promoting useful dialogue, answering student questions, and providing feedback to the instructor on student understanding.

Materials Needed

• Challenging conceptual questions; 4-5 per 50-minute class session

• There are many ways to encourage peer response from holding up notecards to clickers. 

• For a guide on how to effectively use clickers, go to: http://www.cwsei.ubc.ca/resources/clickers.htm

The Numbers

• LA to Student Ratio

1 LA to 40 - 50 students for minimal LA use; 1 LA to 20 for flipped class

• Hiring Needs

1 LA per 40 - 50 students in the course

Coordination with Other Course Components

Courses that use LAs in lecture often also have either required or optional recitation-like sessions that run throughout the week. In many cases, the same LAs who facilitate clicker discussion in lecture also facilitate small-group discussions in recitation.

Variations and Suggestions

• Leave empty rows between every two rows of students for LAs and instructors to circulate among students.

• Assign LAs to “regions” within the lecture hall so they can alter their placement among a smaller group of 50 students

• Have students work in teams of 3-4 and choose a name for their “clicker group.” Instructors can then use group names to solicit feedback as in, “Would someone from the Quantum Dots group share what you selected and why?”