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LA Program

Program Impacts

The Learning Assistant/Course Assistant (LA/CA) program at Vanderbilt creates meaningful academic, social, and intellectual impacts for students across disciplines. Survey data from LA-supported courses show strong positive effects on student learning, sense of belonging and community, and knowledge about how to navigate Vanderbilt beyond the classroom. 

 

At a Glance 

Across 8 LA-supported courses and  >1100 students surveyed in Spring 2026*,  

  • 88% of students reported that LAs/CAs increased their learning 
  • 83% of students reported that LAs/CAs increased their sense of belonging and community 
  • 66% of students reported that LAs/CAs increased their knowledge about the academic environment outside the classroom 
  • Less than 2% of students reported negative impacts 
  • 380 respondents (32% response rate)

 

Impact on Student Learning 

Across surveyed courses, the majority of students reported that Learning/Course Assistants improved their understanding of course material. 

  • Over half of students reported that LAs/CAs increased their learning “a lot”  
  • An additional one-third reported increased learning “a little”  
  • Very few students reported no change or negative effects  

 

 

Overall, 88% of students experienced increased learning, demonstrating that LAs/CAs are a highly effective academic support resource. 

 

Impact on Sense of Belonging and Community 

Learning/Course Assistants also play a key role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment. 

  • Over half of students reported that LAs/CAs increased their sense of belonging “a lot”  
  • Nearly one-third reported an increase “a little”  
  • Reports of decreased belonging were nearly nonexistent  

 

 

Overall, 83% of students reported improved belonging and community in courses, indicating that LAs/CAs help students feel more connected and supported. 

 

Impact on Knowledge about the Academic Environment Outside the Classroom  

In addition to in-class benefits, Learning/Course Assistants provide knowledge about the academic environment outside the classroom (e.g., how to join a lab, clubs or volunteer activities to consider). 

 

 

Overall, 66% of students experienced increased knowledge beyond the classroom, suggesting that LAs/CAs help students learn to navigate learning spaces outside traditional classroom environments. 

  

Impact Across Courses 

Across courses, the positive impact of the LA/CA Program is clear and consistent. Although the magnitude of impact varies slightly, the overall trend demonstrates the program’s effectiveness across academic contexts.  Three Spring 2026 courses that had response rates above 50% (NSC 1400: Introduction to Neuroscience, BSCI 2210: Principles of Genetics, and CHEM 1602: General Chemistry II) are shown. 

* Only LA-supported courses with 10 or more respondents are included in these analyses. CA-supported courses will be assessed in Fall 2026.

Impact on LAs and CAs

Feedback from Spring 2026 Learning Assistants and Course Assistants (25 respondents) indicates a strong positive impact of the program on their own academic and professional development.

  • 96% reported that the experience had a positive impact overall
  • 91% said it improved their understanding of course material
  • 100% reported increased ability to communicate STEM concepts

Testimonials:

  • “This has been a highlight of my experience so far at Vanderbilt, and this program has served as a great compliment to my chemistry and education majors. My interest in teaching organic chemistry in the future has grown a lot because of being an LA.”
  • “Being an LA built my confidence in presenting STEM concepts and has helped me feel more confident in public speaking.”
  • “I loved being an LA! It was not only a fun experience, but a fulfilling one. Coming into Vanderbilt as a transfer student, I was really anxious on whether I would be able to handle the course rigor of STEM classes. However, I can gladly say that I was and it has been a privilege to be able to provide support to other students who are going through what I went through!”

 

Our research