The Early Career Framework states teachers should learn that... Teaching assistants (TAs) can support pupils more effectively when they are prepared for lessons by teachers, and when TAs supplement rather than replace support from teachers. Professional Behaviours (Standard 8 – Fulfil wider professional responsibilities)
In the dynamic landscape of education, the role of teaching assistants (TAs) is increasingly recognized as integral to creating inclusive and effective learning environments. This blog post explores the crucial concept that teachers should understand: TAs can support pupils more effectively when adequately prepared by teachers and when their role supplements, rather than replaces, the support provided by teachers. Drawing on academic research, we delve into the symbiotic relationship between teachers and TAs, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and the importance of strategic deployment.
The Complementary Relationship: Teachers and Teaching Assistants
1. Preparation for Lessons
A well-prepared teaching assistant is a powerful asset in the classroom. Teachers play a pivotal role in ensuring that TAs are equipped with the necessary information, strategies, and resources to effectively support pupils. Research by Blatchford, Russell, Bassett, Brown, and Martin (2007) emphasizes that thorough preparation significantly enhances the impact of teaching assistants on student outcomes.
Teachers can share lesson plans, learning objectives, and any specific strategies or accommodations in advance, facilitating a collaborative approach to lesson delivery. This preparatory phase allows TAs to align their support with the overall instructional goals and ensures that they are well-informed about the content and objectives of each lesson (Webster, Russell, & Blatchford, 2015).
2. Supplementing, Not Replacing
The optimal utilization of teaching assistants involves a clear understanding of their role as complementary to, rather than a substitution for, teacher support. Research by Webster et al. (2010) suggests that TAs are most effective when working in partnership with teachers, providing targeted assistance that aligns with the instructional framework set by the teacher.
Teachers should view TAs as collaborators in the learning process, facilitating differentiated support and addressing the diverse needs of students. Rather than replacing the teacher's role, TAs can offer additional support through small-group instruction, targeted interventions, or individualized assistance, enriching the overall learning experience (Russell, Webster, & Blatchford, 2015).
The Collaborative Model: Practical Strategies
1. Effective Communication and Planning
Establishing clear lines of communication between teachers and TAs is essential for effective collaboration. Regular meetings to discuss lesson plans, objectives, and student progress provide a platform for sharing insights and refining strategies (Bennett, Dunne, & Carre, 2000). Joint planning sessions enable teachers and TAs to align their approaches, ensuring that support is seamlessly integrated into the overall instructional design.
2. Professional Development Opportunities
Investing in the professional development of both teachers and TAs fosters a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. Training sessions that address effective communication, instructional strategies, and collaborative planning can enhance the skills of both educators and support staff (Blandford & Knowles, 2009). This shared learning experience contributes to a cohesive team dynamic within the educational setting.
3. Utilizing TAs for Small-Group Instruction
Capitalizing on the strengths of TAs, teachers can strategically deploy them for targeted small-group instruction. This approach allows TAs to provide focused support to students with specific learning needs while the teacher addresses the broader class (Carter, Anthony, & Schuster, 2017). Small-group sessions can be tailored to reinforce key concepts, provide additional practice, or offer alternative explanations to enhance understanding.
4. Regular Reflection and Feedback
The collaborative relationship between teachers and TAs benefits from a culture of reflection and feedback. Regular debrief sessions provide an opportunity to discuss what worked well, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes (Bennett et al., 2000). Constructive feedback helps both teachers and TAs refine their approaches, fostering a continuous improvement mindset.
Benefits for Teachers, TAs, and Pupils
1. Enhanced Learning Support
When teachers and TAs work collaboratively, the quality of support for pupils is elevated. TAs, with their unique insights and close proximity to students, can provide additional one-on-one or small-group support that complements the teacher's instruction (Blandford & Knowles, 2009). This dynamic approach enables a more nuanced response to the diverse needs of students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
2. Increased Teacher Efficiency
By effectively utilizing TAs, teachers can enhance their own efficiency and capacity to address the varied needs of a classroom. TAs can assist with administrative tasks, help manage classroom logistics, and provide targeted support, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality instruction (Russell et al., 2015). This collaborative approach optimizes the use of resources and contributes to a more streamlined and effective teaching environment.
3. Positive Classroom Dynamics
A collaborative relationship between teachers and TAs contributes to a positive and cohesive classroom atmosphere. When students witness educators working seamlessly together, it sets a model for cooperative learning and teamwork (Webster et al., 2015). This positive dynamic can enhance the overall classroom experience, promoting a sense of inclusivity and support.
In navigating the complexities of the modern classroom, teachers hold the key to unlocking the full potential of teaching assistants. Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between teachers and TAs, and understanding the optimal ways to prepare and deploy TAs, is essential for creating a supportive and enriching learning environment. Through effective communication, strategic planning, and a commitment to collaborative professional development, teachers can harness the power of TAs to maximize the impact on pupil success.
References:
Bennett, N., Dunne, E., & Carre, C. (2000). Patterns of core and peripheral activities of teachers and their assistants. Educational Review, 52(2), 155-167.
Blatchford, P., Russell, A., Bassett, P., Brown, P., & Martin, C. (2007). The role and effects of teaching assistants in English primary schools (Years 4 to 6) 2000–2003. Results from the Class Size and Pupil–Adult Ratios (CSPAR) KS2 project. Research Papers in Education, 22(3), 259-285.
Blandford, S., & Knowles, S. (2009). Collaboration between teachers and teaching assistants: How do we improve our practice? Educational Review, 61(4), 405-420.
Carter, C. M., Anthony, J. L., & Schuster, J. W. (2017). The role of paraeducators in effective inclusive classrooms. Teaching Exceptional Children, 50(1), 37-46.
Russell, A., Webster, R., & Blatchford, P. (2015). Maximising the impact of teaching assistants: Guidance for school leaders and teachers. Routledge.
Webster, R., Russell, A., & Blatchford, P. (2015). Maximising the impact of teaching assistants: Guidance for school leaders and teachers. Routledge.
Webster, R., Blatchford, P., Bassett, P., Brown, P., & Martin, C. (2010). Reassessing the impact of teaching assistants: How research challenges practice and policy. Taylor & Francis.