Instructional Student Assistant- Peer Learning Facilitator

About the role

The Peer Learning Programs (Supplemental Instruction and Embedded Tutoring) within Academic Success and Undergraduate Advising (ASUA) are seeking Instructional Student Assistants (ISAs) to serve as Peer Learning Facilitators in support of historically challenging courses at CSUSB. Peer Learning Facilitators are assigned to one of three roles—SI Leader, Embedded Tutor, or Embedded SI Leader—based on the support modality aligned with the assigned course and section.

Responsibilities

• Attend PLF Leader Trainings.
• Attend/participate in new leader orientation, pre-semester leader training, and professional development (learning community) forums held throughout the semester.
• Attend the Content Course.
• Introduce yourself to the course instructor before the term begins.
• Ascertain requirements for the course before the term begins.
• On the first day of class, introduce yourself and your support modality (SI, Embedded Tutoring, etc.) to the students with instructor’s permission.
• Communicate with the instructor of the content course.
• Support the instructor by providing feedback about students' difficulties, content-related issues, etc.
• Submit Weekly Academic Support Review.
• Complete a detailed, online review of each week’s active learning support (SI sessions, embedded tutoring activities, etc.).
• Meet regularly and work collaboratively with the course instructor, Peer Learning Programs Coordinator, assigned Senior Leader, and academic support colleagues.
• SI and Embedded SI Leader Responsibilities:
  • Prepare written session plans for each SI session, including the learning objectives, key concepts, collaborative learning techniques, and associated strategies/activities.
  • Conduct SI sessions. Facilitate SI sessions, organizing each meeting with built-in flexibility in order to best meet the needs of participants. Use the language of the course discipline and require students do the same. Integrate content with effective learning strategies.
  • Conduct Peer Observations. Attend at least one session led by another SI Leader each semester. Complete an online Peer Observation form noting structure, strengths, weaknesses, and other key elements of the session.
  • Collect Data for Program Evaluation. Collect attendance data at every SI session, (e.g. student name and ID, course title, date and time). Distribute and collect mid/end-of-term surveys. Document and submit other session evaluations as requested by the Peer Learning Programs Coordinator.
• Embedded Tutor Responsibilities:
  • Work with the course instructor to facilitate instructor-designed active learning exercises or assignments during the designated lecture time.
  • Support student learning and academic development by providing timely and appropriate guidance either one-on-one or in small groups during the designated lecture time as directed by the course instructor.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student (sometimes graduate student), preferably in subject major or with significant subject coursework.
• GPA of at least 3.0.
• Availability for the corresponding course lecture, PLF pre-semester training, and SI sessions (when applicable).
• Must be a matriculated CSUSB student.
• Commitment to work up to 20 hours per week.
• Availability to attend and/or complete all related CSUSB student employee training prior to the start of the term.
• Able to attend content course lectures and communicate effectively with course instructors.
• Must prepare written SI session plans (when applicable) and complete weekly academic support reports.
• Willingness to collect program evaluation data, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of successful experience as a small group or active learning academic support facilitator.
• Thorough understanding of all concepts covered in the supported course.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective personal study habits demonstrated by overall academic success.
• Exemplary work ethic with experience in independent preparation, task, and time management.
• Ability to identify, design, and employ effective small group learning strategies relevant to course material.