This article was submitted by the physics department for the CASE March 2025 Newsletter.

The Physics Learning Center (PLC) is an open, student-centered learning environment that encourages active learning and collaboration between the students. Part of Missouri S&T’s LEAD program, it offers academic assistance in all introductory and many upper-level physics courses. For several afternoons and evenings each week, classrooms are staffed with faculty and Peer Learning Assistants (PLAs) who act as guides. Students voluntarily attend to get help with their homework and review lecture material. The students can enjoy the informal atmosphere and ask staff for assistance.

The PLC saw over 2000 student visits during the 2023/24 academic year, and many students attend regularly for the introductory physics courses. Data collected over many years consistently shows that students who attend PLC achieve significantly higher course grades than students who do not attend. The format fosters collaboration and camaraderie, and the active peer-learning techniques develop the students’ understanding and problem-solving skills.

The PLC benefits not only the students who attend seeking help, but also provides an important professional development opportunity for the PLAs. The pedagogical training and the teaching and leadership skills they acquire enhance their undergraduate education and translate to workplace or graduate school. The physics department is striving to attract and train the best possible PLAs, expand the hours, and offer the PLC for additional courses.

The physics department and the entire campus are grateful to Gary and Sharon Kovener who are establishing a $100,000 endowment to support the PLC. This gift will help expand the PLC, attracting and training the best PLAs and provide better academic support for more students.