Student Guide

Student Guide to Working with Your LA

Need guidance in how to get the most out of your courses? Make an appointment to talk with the Learning Assistant (LA) for your course. LAs are assigned to most College of IST courses during Fall and Spring semesters. Like TAs, they help the instructor manage the course, but have the added benefit of understanding what it takes to learn the material well, having recently successfully completed the course you are now taking.

LAs are motivated undergraduate students who serve as learning coaches and mentors for students, while supporting instructors with teaching-related tasks. LAs are assigned to a particular course, and they work closely with instructors to provide challenging and meaningful learning experiences for students.

If your course has an LA assigned to it, contact information should be listed on your syllabus. Many LAs hold office hours, and those should be listed on the syllabus as well.

Your course instructor determines what your LA will do. Most often, LAs assist in:

explaining course concepts
providing feedback on assignments
helping teams get organized for large projects
helping students get started on challenging problems and assignments
setting up virtual labs
grading and providing feedback
trouble-shooting problems with course technologies

Students are asked to provide feedback to LA’s during the semester. You will receive emails inviting you to complete these evaluations.

For more information on becoming an LA, check out the LA Job Description and Application.

Student Guide

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