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      Student Learning Assistants

      Welcome to the Student Learning Assistants UniHub section. On the following pages you will find information explaining who Student Learning Assistants are and the support they provide to help you throughout your studies at Middlesex.

      SLA Information Sessions

      Want to become a Student Learning Assistant (SLA) or learn about what SLAs do? These sessions are for students and staff members interested in knowing more about the SLA Scheme.

      Come and find out more at the following workshops

      Date   

      Day of the week 

      Time 

      Venue

      08/03/2024

      Friday

      11- 12pm

      CG82

      11/03/2024

      Monday

      2-3pm

      CG48

      12/03/2024

      Tuesday

      12- 1 pm

      C136

      14/03/2024

      Thursday

      12-1 pm

      CG48

      18/03/2024

      Monday

      2-3pm

      CG09

      19/03/2024

      Tuesday

      12- 1 pm

      C104

      Also, visit us at our pop-up stall

      Dates: 11 March – 22 March

      Time: 11am – 2pm

      Location: Grove Atrium

      • Who are Student Learning Assistants (SLAs)?

      Student Learning Assistants are experienced students who have been identified by their academic tutors as being highly motivated and capable learners who "have been there before" and know the typical academic issues new students face in their studies. They work in lectures, seminars, workshops and small group sessions to assist students in their learning.

      SLAs do not teach students but are fully trained to work with students using effective questioning and active listening methods. They work collaboratively with academic staff, supporting students in small groups and one-to-one, in the classroom and in pre-arranged locations in the university. They facilitate learning by:

      • Working with students on set tasks in small groups
      • Interpreting assignment topics
      • Preparing students for seminar tasks
      • Planning essays/reports with students
      • Offering advice on study skills and time management techniques
      • Providing useful study and revision techniques
      • Encouraging peers to overcome learning challenges
      • Leading and participating in discussions
      • Facilitating application of course content
      • Facilitating break-out groups in and out of class environment
      • Demonstration techniques in Labs
      • 1-2-1 catch up sessions

      Student Learning Assistants are there to complement what has been taught in lectures and do not take the place of the lecturer or tutor. They are there to help you have a better understanding of the course and empower you to find your own learning styles so that you can take of ownership of your learning.

      Ask an SLA - email your questions to: ask-an-sla@mdx.ac.uk

      • Information for students

      The SLA scheme is a student to student approach to:

      • Improving academic skills and practice.
      • Increasing new students’ engagement with their programme.
      • Enhancing students’ experience of University life.
      • Helping students develop the skills they need to become effective independent learners.
      • Improving grades and reducing student drop-out.

      Benefits to students:

      • Improves students’ study skills and enables them to become independent learners.
      • Students adjust quickly to the demands of university and improve their confidence.
      • SLAs motivate students and guide them through the learning process.
      • Students feel comfortable asking questions about their programmes and modules.
      • Provides opportunity for feedback to academics.

      The main intentions are to help you:

      • Adapt quickly to university life
      • Find out what to expect from your programme of study and what academics expect from their students
      • Practise academic skills and consolidate knowledge gained in lectures and other taught sessions, helping students develop as independent learners and maximise their academic potential
      • Work collaboratively to enhance your understanding of the subject you are studying
      • Be better prepared for seminars, assignments and exams
      • Provide reassurance about study concerns
      • Develop greater confidence.

      Click here to find an SLA that could be supporting your module

      What students said about their experience?

      What Students say about SLAs

      • Information for SLAs

      Your role is to:

      • Increase students’ engagement with their programme.
      • Help students develop the skills to make them effective independent learners.
      • Help students improve their grades and reduce drop-outs.
      • Model effective study skills for students.
      • Help students gain a better understanding of the course content.
      • Help students discuss ideas to find their own solutions to questions and problems.

      How to get paid:

      • Submit your timesheets on https://www.unitemps.com/ on a weekly basis. You will need to sign in using the email you provided when registering to Unitemps (This may not be your student email.)
      • Submit your reflections on OU blog for each month you work. 200 words.
      • Remember to select the appropriate assignment when completing your Unitemps timesheet.

      What previous SLAs have said about their experience?

      e

      For further enquiries email SLA@mdx.ac.uk, or visit the PAL office 10am-12pm Monday-Thursday at HL201, Learning Support Zone @ Hendon Public Library, 2nd floor.

      SLA Newsletters and Yearbooks

      • Become a Student Learning Assistant (SLA)

      Potential Student Learning Assistants are recommended by their academic tutors as having the following criteria:

      • Must be a current student at Middlesex University whilst working as an SLA.
      • High attendance and punctuality rates in all modules.
      • High grades across all modules or assignments - 2:1 or higher.
      • Excellent study habits.
      • A positive attitude towards learning and desire to help others succeed.
      • A professional working attitude & sense of commitment.
      • Must be resident in the UK.

      Potential Business programme candidates undergo an internal SLA recruitment process whereby all Business students are invited to apply for the role from Learning Week 20. Please note that invitations are sent via Middlesex University student email. Candidates are short-listed and selected for interviews based on the above criteria.

      SLA Job Description

      Benefits to SLAs:

      • Develops leadership, teamwork, interpersonal, communication, facilitation and coaching skills which are highly valued by employers
      • A chance to become a member of a community of practice, receiving on‐going training and sharing experiences with others.
      • Increases confidence
      • Improves academic practice
      • Recognition and rewards

      Requirements: You will need to

      • be recommended by your Module/Programme Leader OR undergo an application and interview process
      • complete an SLA application form
      • register and provide your Right To Work at MDXUnitemps
      • attend SLA Induction Training Programme before you start working with students (August & September)
      • attend all scheduled meetings/trainings with academics and PAL team
      • support your students using effective facilitation skills both online and face-to-face
      • submit timely monthly reflective reports about your role and work with students
      • be observed while you support your assigned students
      • participate in evaluating the PAL scheme through surveys and focus groups
      • be professional and be a model student at all times

      Next Steps:

      If you think this is for you, speak to your lecturer in the first instance about your interest in becoming a Student Learning Assistant. Your lecturer will contact the Peer Assisted Learning team to confirm your suitability for the role. An application form will be sent to you after the recommendation is received and appropriate checks have been made. You will need to be resident and eligible to work in the United Kingdom

      For further enquiries, contact the SLA Team - ask-an-sla@mdx.ac.uk

      Meet your Middlesex SLAs

      Find out some information about the SLAs that are supporting your modules and programmes.

      Meet your Senior Middlesex SLAs

      Senior SLAs are experienced returning SLAs who are there to mentor and support SLAs and students. They assist with the organising of the SLA scheme within their various areas of study and programmes.

      In this section

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