Physics Learning Assistants

The Physics Learning Assistants at Providence College are undergraduate students who facilitate discussion and help students in the General Physics Laboratory courses. Learning Assistants are selected from students who have recently completed the General Physics course. Beyond just being an additional source of aid in the classroom, Learning Assistants can bring a unique perspective on the challenges facing students in General Physics course.

Learning Assistant programs bring a number of benefits, such as

• Enhancing the effectiveness of small-group discussions
• Producing a more open and engaging classroom atmosphere
• Providing an alternative source of help for students via office hours and tutoring
• Providing additional channels of communication and feedback between students and instructors
• Valuable teaching and communication experience for the LAs themselves
• Building and strengthening the community of Physics learners

For a broader description of the concepts, rationale and benefits of LA programs in general, visit https://www.learningassistantalliance.org/modules/public/gpe.php

What does a Learning Assistant do?

Each Learning Assistant (LA) will attend the section of General Physics Laboratory to which they are assigned. During this time, they will circulate throughout the lab room, helping lab groups with their questions and facilitating discussions.

Each LA will hold office hours in the physics tutoring room (Location TBA) with a minimum of one hour per week per assigned course.

LAs will attend a weekly meeting in which they will discuss pedagogy topics, the previous week’s challenges, the next week’s lab, and the corresponding course content.

Our Learning Assistants

Katie Kudla

Stephanie Mwaniki

Past Learning Assistants (Fall 2022)

How to become a Learning Assistant

The application period for the Fall 2023 semester has passed.

If you will have completed General Physics I and II by the spring of 2024, and are interested in becoming a Learning Assistant in the spring of 2024, check this page for the application link in November 2023.

(Old) Link to Application Form for Fall 2022