Physics Peer Learning Assistant/Peer Leader

University Of Portland

Portland (OR)

On-site

USD 19,000 - 27,000

Part time

11 days ago

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Job summary

University of Portland is seeking Peer Leaders/Learning Assistants for the Physics Department. Work involves assisting during physics labs, grading homework and exams, and hosting Open Labs twice weekly in the evenings.

Expect commitment under 7 hours per week, with weekly meetings with the lab coordinator. Responsibilities include explaining concepts, attending class sessions, and helping maintain a productive learning environment.

Qualifications

Interest and enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and physics.
Strong conceptual understanding of physics, with ability to apply math in calculations.
Ability to work independently.
Completion of PHY 204 and 205 with a grade of at least a B in both courses.

Responsibilities

Explain physics concepts and answer both conceptual and calculation questions from students.
Attend assigned class/lab sessions to assist instructors.
Grade homework within a week as assigned.
Attend weekly meetings with the lab coordinator and peer leaders.
Introduce students to physics topics and help maintain the classroom atmosphere.

Skills

Teaching interest

Physics concepts

Independent work

Education

PHY 204/205 with B or higher

Physics major/minor (preferred)

Job description

Department

Department Physics

Terms and Hours

Terms and Hours Approx. 7 hrs/wk

Job Category

Job Category Student Employment

Hourly Wage

Hourly Wage Portland Metro Minimum Wage ($16.80)

Job Summary

Peer Leaders/Learning Assistants help students and teachers during physics labs and general grading. PLAs can do many different tasks. As a PLA , you may work in Physics Labs, assisting teachers and students with their experiments. Other Physics PLAs grade course homework and exams. Expected commitment is less than 7 hours of work per week and can be flexible, depending on assignment. Some of our PLAs also host the Open Labs, which occur twice each week during the evening time and, in which, PLAs help students study, do homework, and perform make-up laboratory experiments. Finally, all PLAs must meet with the Physics Lab Coordinator once each week.
PLAs are evaluated through a combination of the following: evaluation from the supervising lab adjunct, weekly meetings with and occasional observation by the physics lab coordinator, and end of semester students' evaluations.

Core Duties

Explain physics concepts and answer both conceptual and calculation questions from students
Attend assigned class/lab meeting sessions to assist instructors with their teaching
Grade homework assignments within a week, as assigned.
Attend weekly meetings (30 minutes minimum) with the lab coordinator and other peer leaders to discuss, practice, and set-up the following week’s lab.
Introduce students to physics topics, maintain the classroom atmosphere, and work with instructors as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Interest and enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and physics
Strong conceptual understanding of physics, in addition to being able to apply mathematical knowledge in calculations
Internally motivated and able to work independently
Completion of PHY 204 and 205 with a grade of at least a B in both courses

Preferred Qualifications