How can you help students most effectively in the classroom? As a Teaching Assistant, you play a vital role in today’s schools. This fully updated third edition will help you get to grips with the main issues to do with psychology and its role in the processes of teaching and learning. This accessible text provides informative, yet down-to-earth commentary with clear examples of how you can apply this knowledge in everyday practice. The book addresses issues such as how to support learning and behaviour, how to create an optimal learning environment for all students, ways to encourage pupil voice, supportive strategies for children with additional needs and how to help children with their self-esteem and independence. This new edition includes references to up-to-date research in child development and psychology to include information regarding wellbeing, mental health and learning strategies related to insights from cognitive science. Chapters are complemented with lively case studies, self-assessment questions and examples of how to apply theory to everyday classroom practice. The reader is encouraged to develop reflective practice to best support children’s behaviour and learning. This reader-friendly book is an invaluable companion for every Teaching Assistant, HLTA, pastoral support assistant, learning mentor, classroom cover supervisor and anyone working in a supporting role in an educational setting.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Definitions of reflection and the reflective practitioner Ways to Reflect: The Reflective Account Ways to Reflect: The Professional Dialogue Final comments 1. Basic principles underlying pupil development and learning Intellectual and cognitive skills Language and communication skills Social and emotional skills Specific skills and abilities 2. Learning support strategies Learning support strategies as a way to promote effective learning Specific skills Strategies to use Summary 3. Creating an optimal learning environment Barriers to effective learning In search of an optimal learning environment Learning preferences Summary 4. Pupils with Additional Needs Inclusion Terminology Autism Spectrum Dyslexia Developmental Coordination Disorder Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties Sensory Impairment English as an Additional Language Care Experienced Children Mental Health and Well-being Putting it all together 5. Behaviour for Learning Introduction Language of Behaviour Strategies to promote good behaviour Summary 6. Establishing Positive Relationships with Pupils and Colleagues Introduction Basic Principles of Effective Communication with Pupils Techniques of Active Listening Pupil Voice, Agency and Co-production Working with Groups Staff Wellbeing What does a collaborative relationship look like? 7. Self-Esteem, Motivation and Independent Learners Self-esteem and self-concept Factors that Affect the Development of Self-Esteem and Self-Concept Strategies that will enhance self-esteem Praise and self-esteem The Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Achievement Motivation Factors that promote independence: developing autonomy