USM Learning Assistant Program: Student Survey Report

USM Learning Assistant Program: Student Survey Report Comparison of Post-Survey Responses: Spring 2018 Semester Those Who Were First-Time Participants vs Those Who Were Prepared by: Office of Academic Assessment University of Southern Maine Spring 2018 1

USM Learning Assistant (LA) Program: Comparison of Post-Survey Responses for Spring 2018 First-Time LA Participants vs : Spring 2018 Semester Learning Assistant Program: Post- Survey Respondents in Spring 2018 First-time participants 45 42% Previous LA participants 63 58% Overall Total 108 100% Demographic Information Post-Survey-Class Level of Respondents: First-Time Participants (N=45) Freshmen 8 (18%) 23(36%) Sophomore 9 (20%) 12(19%) Junior 7 (16%) 17 (27%) Senior 18 (40%) 6 (9%) Other 3 (7%) 5 (8%) 2

How much has your coursework emphasized the following learning skills: Those who responded quite-a-bit or very much Higher-Order Thinking Items: Post-Survey Comparison First-Time Participants (N=45) a. Applying facts, theories, or methods to practical problems 44 98% 56 89% or situations. b. Analyzing an idea, experience, or line of reasoning in depth by examining its parts. 36 80% 53 84% c. Evaluating a point of view, decision, or information source. 31 69% 36 57% d. Forming a new idea or understanding from various pieces of information 38 84% 44 70% Indicate the choice that best describes how often you have done the following: Those who responded often or very often Learning Strategy Items: Post-Survey Comparison First-Time Participants (N=45) a. Identified key information from reading assignments. 37 82% 49 78% b. Reviewed your notes after class. 31 69% 41 65% c. Summarized what you learned in class or from course material 28 62% 42 67% 3

Collaborative Learning Items: Post-Survey Comparison Indicate the choice that best describes how often you have done the following: Those who responded often/very often First-Time Participants (N=45) a. Asked another student to help you understand 35 77% 43 69% course material. b. Explained course material to one or more students. 34 75% 39 63% c. Prepared for exams by discussing or working through course material with other students d. Worked with other students on course projects or assignments 31 69% 38 61% 29 64% 41 66% Supportive Environment: Post-Survey Comparison How much do you think USM has emphasized the following: Those who responded quite-a-bit/very much a. Spending significant amounts of time studying and on academic work. b. Providing support to help students succeed academically. c. Using learning support services (tutoring services, writing center, etc.) First-Time Participants (N=45) 39 87% 55 87% 42 93% 54 87% 39 87% 54 87% 4

Effective Teaching Practices: Post-Survey Comparison To what extent have your instructors done the following: Those who responded quite-a-bit/very much First-Time Participants (N=45) a. Clearly explained course goals and requirements. 36 80% 51 81% b. Taught course sections in an organized way. 35 78% 48 76% c. Used examples or illustrations to explain 34 76% 52 83% difficult points d. Provided feedback on a draft or work in progress 22 49% 31 49% e. Provided prompt and detailed feedback on tests and completed assignments. 34 75% 46 73% How often did you interact with: *Those who responded with Once a week or more Interactions in this Course: Post-Survey First-Time Participants N= (45) a. The Learning Assistant 38 84% 58 92% b. The faculty 34 75% 49 78% c. The peers in class 41 91% 61 97% 5

Learning Experiences by Participating in this Course: Post-Survey As a result of having an Learning Assistant in this course: Those who responded strongly agree/agree First-time Participants (N=45) a. I felt more comfortable asking questions 35 78% 53 84% throughout the semester. b. I received prompt feedback 40 89% 51 81% c. My preparedness for exams and other course assignments increased d. I believe I was more successful in the course than if I didn t have a Learning Assistant in the course 34 75% 45 71% 34 75% 44 70% 6

Additional Experiences as a Result of Taking this Course: Post-Survey Based upon my experiences in this course, in future courses I will be more likely to: Those who responded strongly agree/agree First-Time Participants (N=45) a. Study in groups 34 75% 43 68% b. Test my understanding of concepts as I learn them c. Seek out peer academic support (such as tutoring) d. Ask questions of my faculty e. Share my thoughts during class 37 82% 53 84% 36 79% 46 73% 37 82% 54 86% 24 53% 39 62% *Not all students answered each question, therefore percentages are based upon the number of respondents per survey item. 7

APPENDIX: Open-ended Responses First-Time Participants: Positive Experiences *LA is approachable and friendly, and always answers questions in a way that is clear or concise. If they don t answer they will find out. *The teacher and learning assistance in this class were very helpful and clear when it came to assignments or explaining concepts. *Talking with peers about problems was helpful. *Being able to explain to other students how to complete an assignment or task has boosted my confidence level in this subject and has given me the ability to become a leader. *When the faculty is busy with another table, the LA is able to sit down with you and work on your problem so you don t sit and wait while you re stuck. *Working with the LA helped me understand assignments *Receiving help in group work and from LA s during group activities, helps improve understanding *Having the same table and group every time and working together is good to get to know and feel comfortable with classmates. *I asked a question and instead of the learning assistant being rude about me not knowing, she helped talk me through it. *The class assignments were helpful. *I saw one of the LA s in the library offering tutoring and felt far more comfortable approaching them having recognized them from helping my group during a previous class exercise. *LA s definitely help drive home concepts and Tuesday s help because we apply our knowledge. *LA s help a lot. 8

*The interactive online text is an excellent way to help cement information use in sections of a chapter. It is extremely useful to use the Check your Understanding sections, Section Reviews, and Chapter Reviews. *The LA s helped us through group work. *When I did not understand a concept of why hydrogen could not attach to oxygen in a specific compound, one of the LA s explained it incredibly well without making me feel as though she were just telling me a concept. She made sure I understood it before she left. *I have greatly benefited from the LA s this semester and taken it to tutoring with the same LA s that help in our class. They are the reason I understand anything this semester because I am too shy to ask in class. * I got a good grade. *Recently on the linear programming unit, I watched the videos and in class explained to my peers how to do the assignment. Through explaining it to my peers, I myself was able to get a better understanding after saying out loud and doing it. *I really liked the small groups that we worked in. *Help explain material to students who missed the previous class. It was rewarding to know that I had a strong enough understanding of the material to be able to teach it to someone else. *All the LA s were super helpful. Glad they could be here. *Positive experience is the post Exam #1 video and discussion on study techniques. *Having people come around and check in on us was very helpful, as we had trouble starting on several of the in-class assignments. *Starting a new unit I walked into class frustrated because after viewing the chapter I did not understand. My peer group with the help of a LA helped us break the problem down, step by step until we understood. *I think the LA are a great idea. *I enjoyed being able to work on problems during class. 9

First-Time Participants: Negative Experiences *I really don t feel that I ve had a negative experience in this course. Material are laid out in such a way that makes it easier to retain and understand which I appreciate. *I haven t had a negative experience with this course *The learning assistants were helpful, but they were only able to help a limited number of people, due to restricted time available in class. *Class time goes by quickly and it s almost not enough time to have all of my questions answered by the teacher or learning assistants. *Group work can be difficult because some people want to leave early and rush assignments. *Learning assistant gave my group the wrong answer/help. *I wish there was more review of the assignments we had. *The primary link available for the course calendar doesn t up-date the assignments and so I missed a few before I realized that they weren t on my daily calendar because of a technical issue. *It consumes an immense amount of time and is a very broad subject. *I don t like the prep homework assignments sometimes because I have to teach my self-concepts before they are introduced in class and it can be very difficult and frustrating. *The only negative experience I had was when my group tried asking an LA a question about balancing equations and she clearly did not understand the concept and gave us an incorrect statement. * Some of the LA s should not be LA s, nor should they be tutors because they do not know an answer to a single question. *People don t understand that this course is all about teaching yourself. *Sometimes it is hard for me because I have an eye disability, but people have been very accommodating. *I do not like working in groups on timed assignments. 10

*Sometimes the student teachers didn t really have answers for us. *For me the only negative problem I have had is the classroom can get very noisy and sometimes groups have a hard time re-focusing making it hard to listen to the professor. *The only negative experience of this class was that I felt like we didn t cover some of the same material that we were covering in the Lab. : Positive Experiences *Having the recitation class NOT on Fridays makes me more willing to come in and learn. During the time we have on Tuesdays, I am much more present and ready to learn, unlike when my bus ride to Portland would be longer than the class itself. STOP HAVING CLASS ON FRIDAYS FOR ONLY 50 MINUTES IT IS NOT WORTH IT FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT LIVE IN PORTLAND!!! *The worksheets are very similar to the exam material making them great prep tools *The online assignment, because it helped me do the assignment more than one time. *Dissection of the heart was really great for learning how such a small organ helps keep the entire body alive *The instructor has a way of explaining concepts that makes it easy to understand and visualize. *Others, as well as myself were struggling to understand a specific concept and the LA's were able to clarify for us. *The one on one teaching interactions, it helps a lot *I enjoyed being able to have the LAs around for any questions we needed *The premade groups that we met with. *The LA's are very positive and don't make you feel stupid. *The times where Paul would let the class group themselves and problem solve some problems, especially when we never had seen that type of problem so we had to do it all by ourselves. *Making new friends that were as eager to learn as I was. 11

*We often break up into groups to do class work. This allows students to ask questions when they arise. *I always got answers to any questions I had which really help me understand the material more. *Anastasia was awesome and knew how to teach us without just giving us the answer. I understand so much more because I got her help and not other LA's help *The Learning assistants helped me with a problem I was having during one of our group work sessions. It was extremely helpful to get that instant feedback! *The LA s taught us studying techniques. *LA's really make this course. Prof Larsen teaches in a clear and understandable way. *The LA allowed people in lab to sort of blurt out information; our overview time to refocus what we learned before closing lab is sort of like an open playing field. We all can just openly communicate without having to raise hands and wait to be called on. It feels like a more collaborative environment in this way, there is no awkward silence and feeling singled out for being the one called on. You just contribute as you are comfortable with it. our learning assistant was amazing! She was always ready to help and explained things clearly. *Doing worksheets is helpful but I would have liked that time to be more structured. Maybe have the teacher give groups 5 mins for a problem and then he goes over it and then we do the next question, just so we have the correct methods. *A positive experience would be working together in a group on worksheets. My group works well together and we help each other to understand material by asking questions and testing each other. It is positive because it helps solidify the information learned in class and from the readings. *Working together in a group to solve problems. Found wonderful friends in this course. *Professor is clearly very passionate about chemistry and is very approachable both in and outside of class. *LA came over and said hi and was very friendly with helping us with our problems *Asking for help and getting help instantly from the Las *My experience was great with LA s. 12

*The LA s in my class are very helpful when it comes to checking answers and explaining the material that I don t understand. On more than one occasion, with the help of the LA s, I left the class understanding a topic that I didn t understand going into the class. *I liked working in groups on the different worksheets because my peers were able to explain the material in a way that I could understand. *I'm forced to do the class preps (they weren't graded in CHY 113, but now they are). They are a pain in the neck but they have helped me understand the material more. *Working with students who are engaged with the material and interested in learning helped me to better understand the subject matter during group work *Didn't really have one, in all honesty. That's not a critique on the course or professor, but I just don't like the class. *I went to my professor multiple times during the semester, and he was extremely helpful. He gave examples and information in detail, and he even helped me figure out what grades I needed for the last two exams in order to get a C for the class. *The pedagogy lesson from Tiki, it was very useful for future studying sessions. *Getting a great test score. *Learned many new things. *Recitations were quite helpful. *Working with the LA s in extra practice sessions during the week was very helpful in understanding material from the course. The LAs were super patient with me and answering all my questions and I felt more prepared for tests and quizzes. *It was nice that if we had question there was more than just the professor to ask. *Doing worksheets in class really helped me solidify my knowledge, and the LA s made it easier to ask questions about the worksheets *I feel open to ask questions to my learning assistants because I am comfortable with them saying I am wrong by I should see the problem like this. *The instructor kept us engaged and interaction with the LA s was a valuable resource. 13

*Did have LA email me some helpful pictures from the book to aid in understanding a concept. *When professor is busy, the learning assistants are there to answer questions as well and they already understand the material pretty well. *More than 1 option to ask questions to was a great asset. *The worksheets helped me to learn the material more in depth *I liked being able to ask questions of the LA s at any time. The quick feedback really helped me learn and prevented me from internalizing mistakes-i could always check my work and learn the correct way of doing things. : Negative Experiences *Worksheet answers aren't usually posted so later on there's no way to check if they're correct on your own. *If you miss a class you fall behind. *It was very difficult to answer questions on practical exams and quizzes that were histology based because all of the slides are different and we don't really get enough exposure to them to be able to do well on that part of the class. *Lot of work, but hey that what I got to do. *Was given wrong information as correct a couple times. *I need to leave class early Fridays so that I can make it back in time to go to UNH for ROTC. Although that s nothing we can control but it's still a struggle. *Very little feedback on assignments that was done in class by the professor and LA's. Often did not know the solution to the problems which made it difficult for me to compare my answers and work. I never knew if I was solving the problem correctly. Answer keys were never provided after class for the worksheets done in class. I would often sit in class during group work and not know how to solve a problem and was told how to do the problem incorrectly by a peer or a LA. In class work was very frustrating and made me not want to show up to class. I do not agree with this approach of teaching students a very difficult subject. The class that was 50 mins long should be optional. Most students knew a worksheet that is impossible to complete correctly would be assigned and therefore not show up. Students would work in groups of 3-4 and would only be provided one worksheet per group to encourage group work. We're all adult everyone should be provided a worksheet to review for test. 14

*Getting lower scores than I had hoped for on some of the weekly quizzes. *Some of the LA's had 0 clue how to do the problems and had to get assistance to help us. *Sometimes it didn't seem like the LAs were on the same page as the professor and couldn't answer questions regarding problems. Also, the student to LA ratio was not ideal so it was hard to track them down. *I wish the classes were smaller, it can be hard to get a question answered during lab even with an assistant because Simons and Erin are vastly outnumbered *The learning assistants need to be more thoroughly vetted. Many times it seems they don't understand the material on the worksheets they are supposed to be helping with. There have been many instances when I have asked for help and was given information that is flat out incorrect. For example, I have been told a number like 101 only has two significant figures. This came from an LA who had taken at least two semesters of chemistry. Or, for a more recent example, that smaller molecules have more entropy than larger molecules. It is clear that most of the LAs do not have a solid grasp on the material and I have learned to not ask them for help. I understand the idea behind the program, but it becomes useless when you can't trust the LA's knowledge. *I don t enjoy group work when it s assigned, I d like the option to work alone and have the same opportunity to ask the LA for help. *my experience in which was negative with LA s was their lack of knowing what was going on sometimes. *The one negative thing I would say would be that when we asked the LAs a question we would get a different answer from them all which made learning difficult, because we never knew which way was right, and it would sometimes confuse us even more. This made it hard to know which way to do certain problems making exams a challenge. *My professor doesn't explain things very well, and sometimes his answers to my questions would be different from the learning assistant s answers. *If my usual members weren't there I'd have to work with students who cared far less about learning the material (just wanted a passing grade I guess). In those instances forced group work was more of a hindrance then a benefit to learning. *I was diagnosed with a medical condition at the start of the semester, the result of which is I'm pretty fatigued all the time. It's generally more efficient for me to do my studying at home then off campus because of the energy I use just coming to school. The professor removes points 15

from the final grade after too many absences which really rubs me the wrong way. It feels like I'm being penalized for trying to learn in the way that's most efficient for me at this moment. I understand that I probably won't do as well if I don't go to class but I think that should be allowed to occur naturally through exams and whatnot. Forcing it through attendance policies really just makes me resent the class a lot more, and doesn't deter me from not going to class because I don't really have a choice in the matter. *If I had known to do more Cengage practice problems along with more detailed specifics, it would have been very helpful. Some things weren't explained as well in the beginning of the course as I would have liked it to be. Also, it helped to have assigned seating for groups (maybe you can do it about 3 or 4 times a semester) (positive thing). After the first few weeks, the group that I had in the beginning was not getting along with me anymore. It was hard to get work done because of the group. *One of LA s for this course was wildly inappropriate. He would never stay on topic during the review sessions and frequently was inappropriate during these sessions. He made me feel uncomfortable and made me not want to come to the review sessions. He made a racial joke about a girl's name once. He joked about guns far too much. He swore constantly. He would make joking comments about killing himself. He was not compassionate and did not care if we did well or not. He made learning feel uncomfortable in this course. If it was not for Greg around in the review sessions, I would not have gone because Hank made me feel so insecure and uncomfortable. *The LA's in this course seemed very unsure about answering questions which made me slightly skeptical if they knew what they were talking about *One of the LA was always very condescending and made me feel stupid talking to him and would laugh at my answers and questions of help. *A lot of disjointed lectures, sometimes LA sessions poorly directed. *Sometimes I feel kind of dumb asking a question because of how some of the LA's answer. One of them will like laugh at something we don't know but at the same time they're helpful in other aspects too. *Not enough work problems. More problems and answer keys to practice the material. Not effective practice doing the same questions over and over again. And using data we create, we don't know if we are doing it correctly or not. *That one time Professor did the example with the beans for a buffer system. It was just confusing. 16