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Undergraduate Learning Assistants as Peer Mentors. Redesign Alliance 4 th Annual Conference; March, 2010 Presented by Dr. Megan E. Bradley mbradley@frostburg.edu. General Psychology. Frostburg State University (Frostburg, MD) Course enrollment: Prior: 900 seats; Now: 900 seats
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Undergraduate Learning Assistants as Peer Mentors Redesign Alliance 4th Annual Conference; March, 2010 Presented by Dr. Megan E. Bradley mbradley@frostburg.edu
General Psychology • Frostburg State University (Frostburg, MD) • Course enrollment: • Prior: 900 seats; Now: 900 seats • Comparison of structure: • Prior: traditional lectures; N = 50 • Now: active learning; N = 150 • Status of project • Pilot: Spring 2008 • Full implementation: Fall 2008 – present • Goals of redesign: • Efficiency & effectiveness • Pilot results on comprehensive final: • Traditional sections: D average • Redesign sections: C average
ULA Responsibilities • Assigned 2 small groups (N = 12) of Psyc150 students for all online work • Grade Psyc150 student assignments based on rubrics • Online discussions: Moderate & grade using rubric • Answer student emails
ULA Course & Recruitment • Learning Mentor in Psychology • Purpose • Field experience - Training • Review current research on peer learning & leadership/mentorship • Experience as peer mentor • By recruitment only • Get list of Psychology majors with high GPAs • Seek support from faculty members • Contact students & host information meeting(s) prior to registration
Leadership in Psychology Certificate Program • 6 crs: Pre-requisites • 3 cr: Psychology “Leadership” Courses • 3 cr: Learning Mentor course – Must earn a C • 6 cr: Electives: Step 2 or 3
ULA internship & paid positions • Can work as intern for our department • ULA + research assistant • Become Supplemental Instructor • Trained by another office • Run 1-3 study sessions/week • Become Tutor • Trained by tutoring office
Impact • Most have been accepted into graduate programs • Many have earned assistantships • 3 earned national summer internships • 1 at Sloop Leadership Institute • In 2008, the May & December commencement speakers for College of Liberal Arts & Sciences were ULAs (& SI instructors)