ABSTRACT
TAs can play an important role in facilitating access to activities, through support with:
● Organisation – being prepared for the lesson/homework; structuring problem-solving;
● The use of mathematical equipment – e.g. calculators, protractors, compasses, etc.;
t● Reading and interpreting written material – TAs could help children translate written problems into their preferred learning styles – part of the process of solving problems is to understand them, and children may understand written problems better if they are helped to create diagrams or physical interpretations of the problems;
● Taking notes from the board;
● Supporting pupils in contributing to class discussions – often, pupils like to validate their responses to an adult before speaking out to the whole class;
● Keeping pace with the lesson – TAs could help children with setting out their work if this aspect holds up the pace of their learning. If, for instance, drawing out the framework of a table of results is not the objective for learning, but its completion prevents the child engaging with the real work, a TA could speed up the process by helping to set the table out.
