The Learning Environment

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How a Learning Support Practitioner may contribute to the planning, delivery and review of learning activities. The Learning Support Practitioner or Teaching Assistant works directly under the Teacher, following their curriculum and directions. The TA does not only have to be fully briefed about the Teacher’s educational intentions but also has to be involved in the planning and preparation of the learning activities so that they are aware what is going to happen in the classroom and can support the teacher’s work. Also this is the way for the TA to learn from the Teacher how to plan lessons and learning activities. Planning is a decision about what will be done, when, how and with which pupils. The support the TA can give to the Teacher at the planning stage depends on their qualifications, expertise, experience, and job description and has to support the ethos of the school. The TA can help the Teacher in planning and preparation with new ideas and learning strategies; the preparation of the learning materials, organising and managing the learning experiences. It is also the duty of the TA in the planning and preparation stage to get the classroom ready for the specific learning activity (e.g., arrangement of desks, distribution of learning materials, etc.) and tidying up afterwards. If the TA has any concerns about the implementation of the planed learning activities they should share those with the Teacher. Problems can arise from the lack of appropriate learning materials, time restrictions, learning environment, the role or expertise of the TA. Effective learning combines the utilisation of key and basic skills with discrete support, constructive feedback and encouragement of pupils to take responsibility in their own learning. In order to support this process the TA has to be fully aware of the aims and objectives of the learning activities, their
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