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An undergraduate learning assistant perspective on career development
Paige Gruber1, Jennifer McLean1, Katriana Popichak1
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|July 18, 2025
Summary
Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) programs enhance STEM education by providing valuable professional development for student facilitators. These programs foster essential skills in science communication, leadership, and career exploration for ULAs.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Undergraduate Pedagogy
- Science Communication
Background:
- Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) programs are recognized for improving student outcomes in large STEM courses.
- The professional development opportunities for ULAs themselves are often overlooked.
- This perspective paper complements a study detailing a structured ULA program at Colorado State University.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the professional development benefits of a ULA program from a ULA's perspective.
- To emphasize the dual role of ULAs as instructional support and developing professionals.
- To advocate for the broader adoption of ULA models that prioritize skill-building and identity formation.
Main Methods:
- Personal reflective analysis of ULA experiences.
- Examination of pedagogical training, mentorship, and teaching responsibilities within a ULA program.
- Drawing parallels with a structured ULA program described in an accompanying article.
Main Results:
- Pedagogical training, mentorship, and teaching responsibilities significantly contributed to ULA development in science communication, leadership, and career exploration.
- The ULA program fostered a dual benefit of instructional support and professional growth for undergraduates.
- The program addressed a gap in STEM education by preparing undergraduates for future roles.
Conclusions:
- ULA programs offer high-impact opportunities for undergraduate skill-building and identity formation.
- Structured ULA programs can enhance both student success and the career readiness of facilitators.
- Universities should reimagine ULA programs as a mutually beneficial strategy for teaching, mentorship, and professional development.
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