22 Jun Teaching Assistants – What’s the best use of their time?
I came across a recent report on the best use of Teaching Assistants in classrooms and it makes interesting recommendations. Previous research had shown that in many English schools teaching assistants are not being used in ways that improve pupil outcomes. However, this report demonstrates that when they are well trained and used in structured settings with high-quality support and training, teaching assistants can make a noticeable positive impact on pupil learning.
There are seven recommendations specified in the report:
- TAs should not be used as an informal teaching resource for low attaining pupils
- Use TAs to add value to what teachers do, not replace them
- Use TAs to help pupils develop independent learning skills and manage their own learning
- Ensure TAs are fully prepared for their role in the classroom
- Use TAs to deliver high-quality one to-one and small group support using structured interventions
- Adopt evidence-based interventions to support TAs in their small group and one-to-one instruction
- Ensure explicit connections are made between learning from everyday classroom teaching and structured interventions
Full explanations of the above recommendations are provided in the full report.
How do you use your TAs? Have you ever used them to assist pupils using 123maths?
