A teaching assistant has a direct impact on how much a learner participates and achieves. The role is important. Many believe the education system would crumble if teaching assistants weren’t present. Here, in particular, we are considering the vital work in relation to supporting learners visually impaired.
Teaching assistants promote inclusion along with independence. Often it’s teaching assistants who ensure a learner is included in every setting. The role more specifically can be about adapting toys, books, equipment and other resources so learning can be accessed. Knowing when to step away and encourage independence though is vital too.
This book will explore these issues in much more detail along with considering the commonest causes of stress; for example,
- Lack of time together with teachers for planning
- Short notice of teacher expectations
- A role not clearly defined
Above all, this book is about enabling you to,
- Reduce barriers to learners
- Increase learner participation
- Encourage cooperative learning
- Encourage independent learning
- Create opportunities for individual and cooperative learning without direct support
Don’t forget, if you don’t do it, who will?
CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- A LEARNER’S PERSPECTIVE
- DISABILITY AND HOW IT IS PERCIEVED
- LISTENING AND EMPOWERMENT
- HELP OR HINDERANCE
- CONSEPT DEVELOPMENT
- AN INCLUSIVE CURRICULUM
- A NEW ARRIVAL
- AN ACCESSIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
- CURRICULUM STRATEGIES TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEED
- IMPROVING RESOURCE ACCESS
- ACCESS AND LAYOUT
- ENCOURAGING SELF RELIANCE
- MENTORING
- COMMUNICATION
- TRANSITION
- PEER GROUP AWARNESS TRAINING
- PROBLEMS WITH VISION
- THE ROLE OF A LOW VISION TEACHER AND TEAM
- ADVICE AND SUPPORT BY A LOW VISION TEACHER
- REFLECTION AND SELF ASSESSMENT
- PARTNERSHIP AND EFFECTIVE TEACHING ASSISTANT SUPPORT
- SUSTAINING APPROPRIATE INCLUSION
- CONCLUSION