The Development of Transferrable Skills in Community College Students Through Learning Assistantships

Purpose/Research Question: This study adds to the literature exploring how mathematics learning assistantships can influence community college student development as explored through the lens of value. Thus, the research question for this study was: What types of value do undergraduate students at community colleges find engaging as learning assistants in mathematics courses? Methods/Results: This study utilized qualitative data collection and analysis, exploring value through a theoretical framework comprised of five value cycles ranging from “immediate” to “transformative.” Participants primarily identified finding immediate value in learning about teaching, helping students, and developing personal skills through their experiences as learning assistants. Conclusions: Findings suggest that learning assistantships can be beneficial to community college students, even when they are not pursuing a pathway in education. Learning assistantships provide a supportive environment for students to learn a number of transferrable skills, such as confidence, communication, and leadership experience.