Knowledge and Class Teacher

Unit 210
Support learning activities

1.1 Describe how a learning support practitioner may contribute to the planning, delivery and review of learning activities.

I contribute to PLANNING by giving verbal and written feedback as well as going through children’s books to see how well the children have done on an activity. Also listening to the children’s ideas so that all the information that is fed back helps the teacher plan things for the next lesson helping them to get the correct pitch.

I contribute to DELIVERING the lesson by making sure I have read and understood the lesson plans, whilst having all the equipment available beforehand. Through close working relationships we have developed verbal and non-verbal communication skills that enables us to work together to deliver a lesson. I also DELIVER support to whole class activities, small groups and individuals on a 1:1 basis. I contribute to the review of learning activities by being hands on and suggesting and putting forward my own ideas.

I contribute to the REVIEW by seeing how the task went right / wrong and also recognising which children enjoyed or struggled with the task. I feedback verbally and written letting the class teacher see how they have progressed. I also add my comments to say how I thought the task went and where if any changes need to be made, and also if support may be needed.

1.2 Identify own strengths and weaknesses in relation to supporting learning activities and how these may impact on the support that can be provided. Strengths | Weaknesses | | | Enthusiastic | Helping older children with numeracy | Help where needed | Sometimes too easy going | Approachable | Not knowing where everything is in school. (Resources) | Contribute | Lack in confidence (a little) | Finding classroom resources | | Recognising when children need support. | |

I feel that my strengths impact on the support that I can provide in a positive way because I am a positive and enthusiastic person. I find this usually encourages the children to approach their work and be this way themselves. If I show the children that I am enthusiastic and approachable I feel this will make them feel at ease to approach me with any concerns and hopefully rub off and make them enthusiastic in their work, therefore producing good standards of work at their ability.
If I show lack of confidence in any tasks that I am given this will give off negative vibes and make the children feel uneasy and uncomfortable therefore they will not work to the best of their ability. Children usually mirror behaviour what they have seen from an adult so showing little confidence will give them little confidence and low self-esteem, therefore they will not produce work to the best of their ability.

5.1 describe the importance of evaluating learning activities.
It is very important that we evaluate learning activities so that we can feed information back to the class teacher and think about our approach. It means reflecting on how the activity has gone. It helps us see if any changes need to be made to the way in which we are teaching the children. It helps us to judge how children are progressing and if things may need to be adapted. Evaluating helps meet targets.

(Taken from the supporting and teaching learning in schools text book.)
Evaluation is important, as it feeds into the planning cycle and enables both pupils and teaching staff to think about the learning that has taken place. When evaluating teaching and learning activities and outcomes, look back to the learning objectives. We cannot measure what pupils have learned without knowing what we are measuring against. If we have not thought carefully about learning objectives at the planning stage, it will not always be possible to evaluate whether pupils have achieved them. Learning objectives need to be clear for this to be possible. * Learners must understand what they mean. * They must be achievable. * We must be able to assess pupils against them.
6.1 Identify ways in which own knowledge, understanding and skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT impact on practice.
We all have many strengths and weakness but it is vitally important within school to show children we have the knowledge and understanding about what we are teaching them. If we are not particularly confident in an area we must not let it show as children can easily pick up on things.
If we do not know or understand what we are to teach the children they are not going to learn so it is important to try and research areas we do not feel over confident in.
I feel I am good at literacy and ICT and have a good understanding of these subjects so this has an impact on the children I teach, by knowing and understanding what you are teaching the children encourages them to work well. I feel I am not too confident with numeracy but do not let this have an impact on the children, if I have to teach numeracy I do my research and show I understand what I am teaching.
I feel that my strengths impact on the support that I can provide in a positive way because I am a positive and enthusiastic person. I find this usually encourages the children to approach their work and be this way themselves.
6.2 Identify opportunities to improve own knowledge, understanding and skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT.
To improve my own knowledge, understanding and skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT I liaise closely with the class teacher asking her to plan out any lessons so that I can get prepared for them and do what research is necessary. I have recently just completed my level 2 maths at Preston College so I am improving all the time. I ask my class teacher if any courses become available if I could be put forward to go on them to improve my knowledge. I ask how I can develop my skills, and prepare any work I need to.