Instructional Student Assistant- Peer Learning Facilitator

California State University, San Bernardino•San Bernardino, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Learning Programs 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. Peer Learning Facilitators provide peer-led, course-specific academic support to promote student success, improve content mastery, and strengthen college success skills such as test preparation, time management, and effective study strategies. SI Leaders facilitate regularly scheduled small-group study sessions outside of class. Embedded Tutors support active learning and peer engagement during class sessions. Embedded SI Leaders combine both approaches—attending course lectures to assist with in-class active learning while also leading out-of-class peer study sessions. All Peer Learning Facilitators work under the general supervision of the Academic Centers for Excellence Director and the day-to-day supervision of the Peer Learning Programs Coordinator. Qualified applicants must be current CSUSB undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing with prior success in the subject area and a commitment to supporting diverse and academically at-risk student populations. This is a temporary position commensurate with related contract dates designated for an individual academic term by Faculty Affairs and Development. Qualified ISAs may be eligible for rehire in subsequent academic terms.

Requirements

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
Ability 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

Nice To Haves

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
Ability to establish and maintain rapport with students and faculty
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

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.
Prepare written session plans for each SI session, including the learning objectives, key concepts, collaborative learning techniques, and associated strategies/activities. Session plans may be reviewed by the Peer Learning Programs Coordinator or an assigned Senior Leader for feedback.
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.
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
When necessary, modify instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse student needs.
Identify and refer students to appropriate support services.
Demonstrate sensitivity to student needs and circumstances.
Provide students with clear expectations regarding both your role as a PLF and their role as a collaborative learner.