CSU LAs discuss the LA Program
Describe your Teacher Immersion Lesson and how you implemented it in the classroom.
"I would let them try to answer ... instead of me telling them what the right answer is... if they're just listening to what I'm telling them - it's just coming from a teacher or LA ...."
What are the characteristics of a good LA?
"You have to be patient ... you can't use the terms you use in upper level courses because you're used to those terms."
What should an LA do to support students in the classroom?
"If an LA is there as a cheat sheet ... you're not helping them."
How did your views on Teaching evolve as a result of being in the LA Program?
"Beforehand, I didnt know how to... ask the students the questions in a way that they can build off of it .... the immersion course ... allowed us to look at ways we can do that."
Student Comments on LA Program
CSU students comment on the Learning Assistant Program and how it has helped support them in their introductory Physics Course.
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If a student had a question, she did not give us the answer right away, she would give a chance to figure it out on our own and that's what I like about her..." Physical Science Student
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"[LA] breaks things down into simpler terms ... and ... students who are behind can start to understand." Physics Student
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"The learning assistant helped me by taking the time out of his schedule to go over several practice problems with me. By having the learning assistant I was able to have someone who understood the chapters we were on and was able to get the guidance that I needed to succeed in this class." Chemistry Student
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"I think my experience in this class would not have been as successful if this program was not available." Chemistry Student
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"I believe that having learning assistants in the class made a huge difference in the class as far as keeping me afloat to the information that was being taught at that moment." Physics Student