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LA Program
The Learning Assistant (LA) Model
The Learning Assistant (LA) Model at the University of Colorado-Boulder uses the transformation of large-enrollment science courses as a mechanism for achieving four goals:
- To recruit and prepare talented science majors for careers in teaching
- To engage science faculty in the recruitment and preparation of future teachers
- To improve the quality of science education for all undergraduates
- To transform departmental cultures to value research-based teaching for ourselves and for our students
The transformation of large-enrollment courses involves creating environments in which students can interact with one another, engage in collaborative problem solving, and articulate and defend their ideas. To accomplish this, undergraduate LAs are hired to facilitate small-group interaction in our large-enrollment courses. LAs who decide to pursue a K-12 teaching license are eligible for a $6,000 to $10,000 Hach or Noyce Scholarship.
Learning Assistant Supported Courses
Below is a current and historical list of courses that have used Learning Assistants. A course with a "Yes" in the last column indicates that it is using Learning Assistants for the specified semster.Applied Mathematics
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| APPM 1340: Calculus I with Algebra | Yes | |
| APPM 1345: Calculus Ib | Yes | |
| APPM 1350: Calculus I for Engineers | ||
| APPM 1360: Calculus II for Engineers | ||
| APPM 2350: Calculus III | ||
| APPM 3050: Scientific Computing in MatLab | Yes | |
| APPM 3310: Matrix Methods | Yes | Yes |
| APPM 3570: Applied Probability | Yes | |
| APPM 4350: Fourier Analysis | Yes | |
| APPM 4360: Complex Variables | Yes | |
| APPM 4520: Intro to Mathematical Statistics | Yes | |
| APPM 4570: Applied Statistics | ||
| APPM 4650: Numerical Analysis | Yes | |
| GEEN 1340: Special Topics | Yes | |
| GEEN 1345: Special Topics | Yes | |
| GEEN 1350: Calculus I workshop - small group | Yes | Yes |
| GEEN 1360:Calculus II workshop - small group | Yes | Yes |
Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 1010: Introductory Astronomy I (Solar System) | Yes | Yes |
| ASTR 1020: Introductory Astronomy II (Stars & Galaxies) | Yes | Yes |
| ASTR 1120: General Astronomy (Stars & Galaxies) | ||
| ASTR 2000: Ancient Astronomies | Yes |
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| ATOC 1050: Atmosphere and Ocean | Yes | Yes |
| ATOC 1060: Our Changing Environment | Yes | Yes |
Chemistry and Biochemistry
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1131: Chemistry 1131 | ||
| CHEM 1133: General Chemistry II | Yes | |
| CHEM 1251: General Chemistry I for Chem/Biochem Majors | ||
| CHEM 1271: General Chemistry II for Chem/Biochem Majors | ||
| CHEM 4411: Physical Chemistry with Biochem. Applications I | Yes | |
| CHEM 4431: Physical Chemistry with Biochem. Applications II | Yes |
Education
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 4112: Edu Psychology and Adolescent Development | Yes | Yes |
| EDUC 4411: Edu Psychology for Elementary Schools | Yes | Yes |
Engineering
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| MCEN 3025: Component Design | ||
| MCEN 3034: Dynamics | ||
| MCEN 3037: Exp Design & Data Analysis |
Geology
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| GEOL 1030: Introduction to Geology | ||
| GEOL 2100: Environmental Geology | Yes | |
| GEOL 3010: Minerology | ||
| GEOL 3430: Introduction to Sedimentology | Yes |
Independent Learning (online)
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| ATOC 1050 (online): Weather and Atmosphere | Yes | |
| ATOC 1060 (online): Our Changing Environment | Yes |
Mathematics
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1300: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | Yes | Yes |
| MATH 1310: Calculus I with Biological Applications | Yes | Yes |
| MATH 2300: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | Yes | Yes |
| MATH 3120: Functions and Modeling | Yes | Yes |
Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| MCDB 1041: Genetics for Non-Majors | Yes | |
| MCDB 1111: Biofundamentals | ||
| MCDB 1150: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | Yes | Yes |
| MCDB 2150: Principles of Genetics | Yes | Yes |
| MCDB 2152: Genetics Co-Seminar | ||
| MCDB 4300: Immunology | ||
| MCDB 4650: Developmental Biology | Yes |
Physics
| Transformed Course with Learning Assistants | Fall 2011 | Spring 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 1010: Physics of Everyday Life I | ||
| PHYS 1020: Physics of Everyday Life II | Yes | |
| PHYS 1110: General Physics I with Calculus | Yes | Yes |
| PHYS 1120: General Physics II with Calculus | Yes | Yes |
| PHYS 1240: Physics of Music and Sound | Yes | |
| PHYS 2130: General Physics III | Yes | |
| PHYS 2170: Foundations of Modern Physics | ||
| PHYS 2210: Classical Mechanics and Math Methods I | Yes | Yes |
| PHYS 3220: Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics I | ||
| PHYS 3310: Principals of Electricity and Magnetism I | ||
| PHYS 3330: Electronics for the Physical Sciences | Yes | |
| PHYS 4810: Computational Physics |