Learning Assistant Program Northeastern Illinois University
What are Learning Assistants?
Learning Assistants (LAs) are students who have previously completed a course. They attend class meetings to support current students. LAs receive training in best practices for interacting with students. They also meet regularly with course instructors to review content and prepare for upcoming class activities. The Learning Assistant model was origianlly developed at University of Colorado Boulder and is now used at more than 500 institutions worldwide.
Hands-on Help
Amirah Benne (center), an LA in BIO 202, talks with students working on a presentation about species diversity and conservation.
Weekly Preparation
Two LAs in BIO 201, Krishna Parikh (left) and Addison Zehren (right), work with DNA model kits to prepare for an activity in an upcoming class.
Why should I be an LA?
There are many benefits to being an LA!
At NEIU, students working as LAs have the option of being paid or receiving course credit.
LAs gain increased knowledge of the course content. This is an excellent way to review material if you are studying for an exam like the MCATs or preparing to apply to graduate school.
By regularly interacting with students, LAs develop their communication and leadership abilities. This looks great on resumes!
LAs receive training about the science of teaching and learning. If you are interested in becoming a teacher, this is an invaluable opportunity.
Learning Assistant Program Alumni
Meet some students who have previously participated in the Learning Assistant Program at NEIU.
Jaime Arroyo
Jaime worked as an LA in Calculus. He is currently earning his Masters in Teaching in Secondary Education at NEIU and plans to become a math teacher at a high-needs high school.
Odalis Curzio
Odalis (pictured second from left) had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with other LAs from around the state at a symposium held at Chicago State University in April 2023.
Odalis served as an LA in for two semesters in BIO 201 and used the experience to satisfy the Biology capstone requirement. She is currently completing a seond bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.
More about NEIU's program
Dr. Nuss is the facilitator of the program. She coordinates the placement of LAs in different STEM courses and leads the weekly traing sessions for all LAs. In addition, she works directly with LAs in many of the Biology courses she teaches.
NEIU's Learning Assistant Program was developed in 2021 as part of the CASA: Creating Access to STEM for All program (CASA is supported through the U.S. Department of Education Title V Award #P031S200083).
The Learning Assistance Alliance provides many resources for institutions interested in establishing their own LA program. We are especially thankful to the Chicago State University Learning Assistant program for their guidance and encouragement.
Dr. Kara Nuss (she/her)
Interested in Becoming a Learning Assistant?
We are always ready to welcome new LAs to the program! For the Spring 2024 semester, LAs are needed for Biology and Math classes. Please email Dr. Nuss (k-nuss@neiu.edu) if you are interested.