Pedagogy and Learning Apprentice (PLA)

A Pedagogy and Learning Apprentice (PLA)—formerly known as an Undergraduate Instructional Assistant—is an upper-division undergraduate who supports a course under faculty supervision, gaining hands-on experience in teaching and course facilitation.

Eligibility Requirements

To serve as a PLA in Cognitive Science, students must:

• Upper-division standing (90+ units completed)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Grade of A– or better in the course being supported
• Instructor approval required
• Cannot have served as a PLA for the same course previously
• May not support more than one course per quarter
• Cannot exceed 8 total units of PLA (COGS 195P) credit during academic career

PLA Responsibilities

PLAs are expected to:

• Attend all class sessions and lectures
• Meet regularly with the instructor
  
• Offer general support and provide informal feedback to students.
• Proctor exams and assist in review sessions
• Hold office hours
• Help manage course tools (e.g., Canvas, or Google Classroom)
• Assist students during in-class group work or breakout activities
• Other applicable duties as assigned by the instructor

Note: PLAs do not assign grades or lead official discussion sections.

Earning PLA Credit

• PLA credit is earned through enrollment in COGS 195P, a 4 units course
• PLA work is limited to 10 hours/week
• Grading is on a Pass/No Pass only
• Upon completion, COGS 195P may fulfill an upper-division elective requirement for the Cognitive Science major.
  

How to Apply

1. Apply through the current PLA campaign:
   PLA Opportunities
   
   
2. All assignments are determined by instructional needs and are offered solely at the discretion of the Department of Cognitive Science. While an instructor may request a specific student as a PLA, such a request does not guarantee placement and does not constitute an offer of apprenticeship.
   
   
3. Once approved, you’ll be notified to submit an EASy request for enrollment in COGS 195P.
   

Training and Supervision of PLAs

Before the quarter begins, PLAs must meet with the instructor to establish goals and expectations. They will be mentored and supervised by the course instructor and assigned graduate TA(s). A PLA syllabus will be provided by the start of instruction, and training will occur at the beginning of the quarter. Weekly meetings with the instructor and TA(s) are required.

For questions, contact the Cognitive Science Undergraduate Advising Office.