The LA Model
Q. What is the pedagogy class?
The Pedagogy Course is a class in which you, as a first-time LA, explore teaching and learning theory and practice. You will typically take this class concurrently within your first LA assignment so that what you learn in the pedagogy course can be directly implemented in the class you are LA-ing for! The style of the pedagogy course varies depending on the institution but the typical range is 1 - 3 hours a week in a smaller, discussion style class. At many institutions students, receive credit for the course.
Q: My instructor has not been scheduling weekly preparation meetings? What can I do?
Ask for them! Advocate! Work to set up a weekly time with your professor/instructor/department/fellow LAs and TAs, it can only benefit you! You can also mention this to the LA Coordinator at your institution and they can advocate for you. If you institution has an LA Mentoring Program, where experienced LAs supporter newer LAs, you can mention this to your LA Mentor.
Q. How are LA’s different from TA’s/TF’s/Undergraduate TA’s?
Some institutions have Teaching Fellows or Teaching Assistants as well as LAs. LAs receive pedagogical training, which often sets them apart from UTAs and even many graduate teaching assistants/fellows, at many institutions. Research performed at some institutions that utilize the LA Program has shown that the pedagogical preparation LAs receive in order to adequately support active learning environments does in fact enhance student performance and improve their learning.
Expectations of LAs are high. In many settings, LAs are expected to meet with faculty weekly, make suggestions for course improvements, create their own in-class activities, and research relevant literature regarding their discipline and effective pedagogy.
Q: What if my institution or my department doesn’t have an LA Program? Who should I talk to?
Advocate for an LA Program at your institution. As a student at your institution, you opinion matters! You can talk to department heads, provosts, deans, anyone willing to support the cause. If you know one of these administrators well and have a good relationship, that would be a great starting point. You can also talk to the Learning Assistant Alliance Leadership Council or network of LAgents. They can help you craft your message.
Practice
Q. What is some advice that could be offered for a first-time LA?
Great question! There is already an advice page containing some very helpful tips to address the concerns of a first-time LA and other instances. You can find it here.
Q: What if I don't know the answer to a question that a student asks in class?
This is okay and TOTALLY normal! Most LA’s experience this moment one time or another, and it can feel scary and embarrassing. Keep in mind, you are a student too, you are not the professor., There will be some questions you won’t be able to answer! You can always defer to the professor, other students, other LA’s and TA’s, course material, or best of all, you can attempt to work through tough questions with the student who asked! Don’t let moments like these discourage you or question your value as an LA. Just remember, it is times like these that will help you grow in your field and as an LA!
Q: How to deal with difficult interactions?
There may be instances in which an LA might be working with a student who’s struggling due to external sources. If the student shares this information with you confidentially and you feel it is necessary to privately share this with the professor to make them aware of the situation. You can also talk to the professor and not mention specific names. You might choose to share this information if the student is in danger or may put others in danger. You can also suggest the student talk to the College Counselor who have much more expertise. More on working with students in distress can be found here.
Nuts and Bolts
Q. Do LA’s receive compensation?
A. Typically, LA’s can receive course credit, a stipend, or even hourly pay for their time. However, it varies from institution to institution. You should ask the LA Program coordinator at your institution for more specifics regarding this topic!
Q. How many hours are required?
A. This varies from institution to institution. For instance, at some institutions, LAs are expected to spend up to six hours in the classroom, two hours in the pedagogy course, and up to two hours meeting with faculty every week. In this setting, along with preparation for class, being an LA can take anywhere from 10-15 hours a week. But this varies from place to place. In most cases LAs are involved in the program from between 5 - 15 hours a week. This is, again, another great question for your institution’s LA Program coordinator!
Q. Do LA’s grade assignments?
A. LAs typically do NOT grade assignments! In most cases, LA’s are expected to aid student learning, however, grading and other related tasks may be worked into LA responsibilities. This would be a good discussion to have with the instructor you’re working with so that you have a clear understanding about the expectations for each of your LA assignments!
Juggling school and LA Assignments
Q. How do you manage your time as an LA?
The task of being an LA and a student in other courses can be time consuming, yet rewarding. We recommend the practice of time-management skills to balance course workload and LA responsibilities. If it is difficult to keep track of assignments and obligations, we’d recommend using an organizer, digital calendar (i.e. Google Calendar), or even an event reminder on your phone.
Also, as a reminder, you’re in the program because you want to be, so it shouldn’t feel like a chore! Being an LA is an experience that students want to participate in, to spend their time on. While it is very important that you meet your commitment and support the class at the time you are scheduled for - life happens and it is not always possible to meet your commitment. It is also important to communicate with the instructor in advance if any time conflicts arise.
It is recommended to make sure of your availability prior to committing to the LA assignment.
Q: What do I do if something comes up at the last minute and I can't make my LA Assignment?
Over-communicating is always better than under-communicating! Ensuring that you have a direct communication method with the professor or department you are working for, communicating about any conflicts of schedule of timing, and being flexible are all parts of being a successful LA. If moments like this arise, please try to extend a heads-up as far in advance as possible; however, life happens! This is totally understandable and please do not be afraid of repercussions. That is not what the LA Program is about!