STEM ULA/UTA Training Modules

STEM ULA/UTA Training Modules

About

The STEM Success Team at UVA created training modules for undergraduate learning assistants/teaching assistants  which broadly apply to any STEM discipline and spotlight practical dialog examples. These materials are free and may be used by UVA instructors and other higher ed institutions. 

Highlights: 

  • Five short (5-10mins) training videos in .mov file format
  • Designed for LMS integration for easy implementation
  • STEM interdisciplinary: math, physics, biology and chemistry examples
  • Example checkpoint and discussion reflection questions provided

 

If you are UVA faculty or staff and would like to preview the modules in Canvas please make a request here:
UVA Faculty/Staff Request Form 

 

If you are from another institution and are interested in using the materials please make a request here: 
External Use Request Form

 

You can also contact us with questions at [email protected]

 

Development of these materials were supported in part by a grant to the University of Virginia from Howard Hughes Medical Institute through the Science Education Program. 

Topics Covered

Training Topic

Subtopics

Professionalism 

  • Expectations
  • Boundaries
  • Communication

Engaging with Students

  • Be Approachable
  • Normalize Struggle
  • Be Inclusive

Leading Engaging Discussions  

  • Asking Open-Ended Questions
  • Using Wait Time
  • Redirecting Questions
  • Probing
  • Revoicing

Helping Students Learn Together in Groups 

  • Why Work in Groups?
  • Monitoring Progress
  • Addressing Conflict

Talking to Students About How to Study 

  • Utilizing Resources
  • Using Active Study Strategies
  • Learning Content at a Deeper Level (Bloom’s)
  • Evaluating Learning Progress Using Metacognition
  • Managing Time Effectively

Video Preview

A screenshot from a training video, highlighting a dialog between a ULA and student.
A screenshot from a training video, highlighting study skills discussed.
A screenshot of a training module with a checkpoint question added using Canvas Studio.