Linking Learning Assistants, Mentors, and Scholars (LLAMAS): Faculty Experiences
Austin Wada
School of the Environment
Faculty Supervisor: Kim Coble
At San Francisco State University (SFSU), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we launched an undergraduate Learning Assistant (LA) program in Spring 2017. The goal was to support more active, equitable, and inclusive learning environments in traditionally lecture-based courses. LAs are undergraduate students who have previously taken the course who participate in the classroom community under the supervision of the course instructor and interact with current students. Beginning in Fall 2022, we introduced structured professional development for participating faculty through workshops and communities of practice, with a focus on inclusive, student-centered instruction. Using an iterative thematic analysis of reflection essays (N = 45) and interviews (N = 10) with faculty participants collected between Spring 2023 and Fall 2025 to give insight into the benefits and challenges of being part of the LA program, including perceived dynamics between faculty, students, and LAs. This work has implications for departments seeking to transform their teaching practices and classroom cultures, especially at institutions serving historically underrepresented student populations.