Different Types of Student Assistants
We can distinguish between three types of student assistants:
1. Seminar Leaders: Lead seminar sessions in courses. Seminar leaders are often also responsible for assessing mandatory coursework and activities.
2. Learning Assistants/Study Group Leaders: Support students in their learning process. Many students appreciate having academic contact with someone who has recently taken the same course. This is not a traditional teaching role, and the activities are not necessarily linked to a specific course.
3. Teaching Assistants: Support lecturers in delivering their teaching. Examples of tasks include providing technical assistance to students and lecturers in Canvas or classrooms, and monitoring the chat and raised hands in Zoom.
Things to Keep in Mind
In 2021, LINK conducted a survey among students who had learning assistants or study group facilitators. The survey showed that a clear connection between the different learning activities within a course is essential for students' learning outcomes. Similarly, student employees reported that this connection is crucial for their ability to perform their roles effectively.
It is therefore important that departments provide adequate support and follow-up for their student employees. EILIN recommends organizing a meeting at the beginning of the semester where student assistants, lecturers, and administrative staff can discuss tasks, responsibilities, and expectations together.
Through their work, seminar leaders gain valuable insights into how students experience teaching, what they find challenging or easy, and which activities they consider meaningful. This information is valuable for those responsible for planning teaching and learning activities. It is therefore worth considering how course coordinators can access and make use of these insights.
Pedagogical Training
EILIN offers training and follow-up support for seminar leaders, learning assistants, and study group leaders. The aim of the training is to help student employees feel confident in their roles and provide them with practical tools for working with student groups.
The training is tailored to the needs of individual departments and courses. If needed, SV-info can provide information about relevant rules and procedures.
Departments should contact Kaja Braathen to arrange pedagogical training.
Departments are responsible for recruitment and registration and must ensure that student employees receive information about:
- Arbeidstid: omfang, tidspunkt, tidsramme, hvordan man fører timer
- What tasks they will perform and which courses they will be involved in
- What expectations the course coordinator or department has regarding their work
- Confidentiality obligations and GDPR requirements
- Contact person at the department
- Employment contract and salary
- Working hours: workload, schedule, time frame, and how to register working hours
Technical Training
- If needed, EILIN can also offer technical training, preferably in collaboration with the IT department. See USIT's course catalogue.
- Departments should contact EILIN to arrange technical training.