Fig. 1

The three main pillars of the LA experience (Learning Assistant Alliance 2016). In the two programs under study here, the LAs attend lecture, hold weekly office hours, and attend weekly planning meetings with their faculty member. LAs are paid a monthly stipend for their work. All new LAs are required to take a 2-credit hour Introduction to Science Teaching and Learning course where they learn about the principles of teaching, including theories and techniques (see course syllabus in the Additional file 1)