Learning Assistant Jobs in Duluth, MN (NOW HIRING)

The main purpose of your job is to assist students on campus in the classroom and the remote instructor in a way that the class runs smoothly and learning can take place effectively. You will attend all class sessions and if requested by the instructor, take attendance. It is not your job to teach the target language (Japanese) to the students in place of the instructor unless you are asked in case of emergency. Encourage the students to communicate directly with the instructor by email or in class as much as possible.

• Pay is $12 per hour.
• You can work up to 8 hours per week, but it is more likely that you will work 4-6 hours per week.

INSTRUCTIONAL ASPECTS

• Whenever possible, use the target language during class to communicate concerns with the instructor. This helps students see the importance and real usage of the target language. Students will also do what they can to try to understand what you said as a private test of their own abilities.
• During pair and small group activities, and during class, encourage students to stay in the target language as much as possible. Walk around and assist them in the exercises to ensure they are on task and participating.
• Except in necessary situations, do not translate what the instructor is saying in the target language into English for the students.
• If a student asks you a question during the class period, encourage him/her to ask the instructor directly. This may depend on the question, but we want to make sure students are relying on the instructor first.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

• Go to the classroom at least 5 minutes before the starting time. Turn on the computer and check cable connections. You will be using Zoom for class sessions. The Zoom link will be given to you by the instructor before the semester begins.
• During class sessions it is very important that you communicate with your instructor and technology staff if you experience technical problems such as losing sound, etc. Your instructor will not know what you are/aren't seeing or hearing if you don't advise them.
• If your instructor happens to switch the view to a document camera or other video input for part of the lesson and then forgets to switch it back so that you are unable to see the instructor at the origination site, please advise them immediately so that you are viewing the proper input.
• When your site is asked to respond, please be sure to use the proper student camera to show the students who are speaking/showing their work.

Collect homework at the beginning of class. Check their homework and record and let the instructor know their progress. If there are common mistakes from students, report them to the instructor during or after the class.

You may work and help students for up to 4.5 hours. Besides assist the instructor and the students in class, you will make photocopies before class. Check the instructor's e-mail messages, print out the handouts and bring them to class. If you have time, you may serve as a language table for students to practice conversation with other native speakers. However, any additional hours must be approved by your instructor and the continuing education department.

Study the syllabus carefully, with a special attention to exam dates and assignments due dates. Make sure that you receive all of the necessary materials for exams, etc. at least a couple of days in advance prior to the scheduled dates.

Close communications between the TAs and the instructor are the key to the success of the program. You will need to communicate with the instructor in the following situations: when you receive materials that the instructor has sent: when you sent materials (quizzes, tests, etc) to the instructor: when students are having difficulties or questions regarding class content: when you know that you will be absent from class for an avoidable commitment such as a field trip of your own class or any other emergencies.

Other duties are at the request of your instructor. These duties commonly include such things as reporting attendance and homework completion, distribution of materials during class, creating flash cards, etc.

Notes:

• If a conflict arises between the instructor and the students (and/or yourself), and it does not seem to be resolved easily, let the appropriate department personnel (Lisa Mattsson, lmattsso@uwsuper.edu) know and ask for their guidance.
• Let's have a fun and successful semester!

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