What is a learning assistant?
A learning assistant is a student who supports other students in learning activities. Students often appreciate help that can be given by someone who has recently completed studies in the same subject. Learning assistants have fresh recollections of what it was like to take the subject and what they found challenging.
A learning assistant also supports the teacher during classes. Examples of tasks include providing technical support for students and teachers in Canvas or in the classroom, and monitoring chat or raised hands in Zoom sessions.
In some instances, a learning assistant will organize social activities.
Division of responsibility (who does what)
The departments are responsible for recruitment and appointment, and must ensure that learning assistants receive information about:
- What tasks the learning assistants will carry out and which courses they may be asked to support.
- The expectations of the department regarding the work.
- Which course modules the learning assistants should sign up for.
- Contact person at the department.
- Contract and salary.
- Working hours: extent, times, deadlines.
HF:Studio:
- Organizes pedagogical and technical training opportunities.
- Some follow-up support during the semester.
What should departments think about when using learning assistants?
For the collaboration to be successful, it is decisive that learning assistants and teaching staff have a good dialogue, and that work in groups has a natural place in the design of the teaching.
Surveys conducted among students show that close correspondence between group work and other activities on the course is vital for good learning outcomes. Similarly, learning assistants describe this as key for them to do a good job. It is therefore important that the departments provide learning assistants with sufficient information about the courses/ programs with which they will be working.
Through their work, the learning assistants will learn a lot about how the students experience teaching, what they find difficult, what is easy, and which activities are perceived as meaningful, etc. This is valuable information for those who plan teaching and learning activities. You may therefore wish to consider ways in which the teacher can make best use of this information.
Training for learning assistants
The training aims to:
- Provide the learning assistants with an understanding of the role.
- Provide tools for working with student groups.
- Training in Canvas, Universal Design and AV equipment.
HF:Studio does not provide subject-specific training / information – this must take place at department level and preferably in dialogue with the subject teacher / course instructor.
Training offer for Autumn 2024
- Foundation module: Friday,16 August, from 9 am to 2 pm, PAM seminar room 10.
- Technical training: Canvas, Universal Design, and the use of software and AV equipment in the classroom. Tuesday 20 August, from 12:15 pm to 2 pm, HF:Studio, SB.
- Two gatherings throughout the semester: The goal of the gatherings is to share experiences with other learning assistants and exchange tips and advice to become more confident in the role of a learning assistant. During the gatherings, you can also receive guidance on handling any challenges that have arisen.
- Tuesday 1 October from 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm
- Tuesday 5 November from 8:15 am to 9:00 am
Practical questions - FAQ
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How to grant student assistants access to Canvas?
From May 2021 learning assistants can be added to FS with the role of assistant. In Canvas, this will be the role of LA. Teaching assistants should preferably be allocated the role of DLO, which in Canvas is Designer.
See overview of personal roles in FS (in Norwegian)
NB: Be aware of what rights these roles have in Canvas (in Norwegian)
- Share experiences with others at UiO: Include student employees in teaching (in norwegian)