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What are Learning Assistants?
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 originally developed at University of Colorado Boulder and is now used at more than 500 institutions worldwide.
At Northeastern Illinois University, most LAs work between 6 to 10 hours a week. This time is divided among the three components of the Learning Assistant model: Pedagogy Training Sessions, Weekly Preparation Meetings, and Hands-on Help.
Pedagogy Training Sessions
Pedagogy Training Sessions
Pictured above, the LAs from Spring 2024 celebrate the final training session and the end of semester. From left: Michael Noonan (General Biology I), Petros Basourakos (Biochemistry), Elizabeth Jarvis (Calculus I), Emily Erazo (General Biology I), and Krishna Parikh (General Biology II). Thank you all for a great semester!
Weekly Preparation Meetings
Weekly Preparation Meetings
Two LAs in General Biology I, Krishna Parikh (left) and Addison Zehren (right), work with DNA model kits to prepare for an activity in an upcoming class.
Hands-on Help
Hands-on Help
Amirah Benne (center), an LA in General Biology II, talks with students working on a presentation about species diversity and conservation.
Why should you be an LA?
Why should you 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
Learning Assistant Program Alumni
Meet some students who have previously participated in the Learning Assistant Program at NEIU.
Jaime Arroyo
Jaime Arroyo
Jaime (above) 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 Curzio
Odalis (above, 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 for two semesters in General Biology I. She was able to use this work to complete her Biology capstone requirement.
Amirah Benne
Amirah Benne
Amirah (second from right) worked as an LA in General Biology II. In February 2024, she participated with Dr. Nuss (far right) on the Peer Instructor and Faculty panel at the LSAMP Symposium. Amirah is currently completing her Biology major and preparing to apply to Physicians Assistant programs.
More about NEIU's program
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)
Dr. Kara Nuss (she/her)
Interested in Becoming a Learning Assistant?
Interested in Becoming a Learning Assistant?
We are always ready to welcome new LAs to the program! For the Spring 2025 semester, LAs are needed for Biology and Math classes. Please email Dr. Nuss (k-nuss@neiu.edu) if you are interested.
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