Faculty FAQs

How much time should I expect to spend on LA-related duties?

Each week, LA faculty run a weekly prep meeting with their LAs. You will work with your LAs to find a time that works best for everyone. You will need to attend an introductory workshop and a 1-hour orientation on the Thursday before classes start. You should also be willing to meet, periodically, with other participating faculty to share and support experiences.

What kind of data collection is expected?

LA faculty administer data collection via formative assessment tools for students and LAs. The LA program will provide data analysis services. These data are used for LA program assessment and can be used for faculty merit, tenure, and promotion cases. These data may also be used for scholarship of teaching and learning research.

Do I need to re-design my course if I want to include LAs?

You need to commit to using interactive engagement of students and collaborative learning. The LA Leadership team can support you with this adjustment. See below for more ideas around incorporating LAs into your course. 

 

What are the benefits to incorporating LAs into my courses?

LA faculty receive: 

  • $1000 in professional development funds for faculty new to the program.
  • supporting materials for merit, tenure, and promotion dossiers.
  • current federally funded research related to the LA program.
  • support of an LA faculty community of practice.

 

Which departments offer LA-supported courses?

Currently, CU Denver offers LA support in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistical Science, Physics and Science Education. If you teach courses in a different department and are interested in hiring LAs, please contact Bud Talbot. 

How do I incorporate LAs into my course?

There are many ways to incorporate LAs into a transformed course. If you are just starting out with LAs, one approach is to infuse a worthy, LA-facilitated activity every 15-20 minutes of lecture. Learning Assistants can also help you find, evaluate, create and modify activities. Here are a few ideas and contexts to consider:

In class

  • Peer Instruction
  • Cooperative group problem solving
  • Clicker question facilitation
  • Interactive Lecture Demonstrations
  • Simulations
  • Modeling instruction
  • Recitation-Style Session
  • Flipped Classrooms
  • Technology Enhanced Formative Assessment

Outside of class

  • Oral Assessment
  • Laboratory/Tutorial Sessions
  • Help and Review Sessions
  • Study Groups
  • Office Hours
  • Online support