The key features of positive interaction or communication with pupils are knowing pupils names or what they like to be called, this shows you care about the individual and that you respect and value them. It is important the teaching assistant has positive body language and you are approachable such as how you stand, facial expressions and eye contact.
Speaking firmly but calmly and being consistent in what you say shows pupils expected behaviour and makes everyone aware of boundaries, rules and consequences. Always follow through with what you say as pupils will pick up on this and may lose confidence in your teaching for example rewards or punishments. It is important to remember there may be a reason behind behaviours of pupils, by knowing your pupils and how they react or triggers to behaviours you can monitor, record or report if necessary.
By treating all pupils the same, including and giving everyone a chance shows respect and that you value their contributions and efforts. “B.F Skinner believed that children learn best through positive experiences. This is relevant for learning experiences as it is for behaviour. For example, a child who is praised for working well at a particular task will want to work at it again. Skinner called this positive reinforcement”. (Burnham)
By listening ensures pupils will feel comfortable talking to you and try to resolve any issues or problems, always remember when a situation is over it is over. It is important all pupils get the best from lessons, by praising good behaviour and sometimes ignoring bad will allow you to continue teaching and deal with the behaviour when everyone else is working.
Rewarding, encouraging and motivating pupils will promote positive behaviour. Making lessons more interactive and fun with humour can be a good tool.
“Pupils who have more opportunity to communicate with others are more able to develop their skills and confidence and extend their vocabulary” (Burnham). Providing lots of praise and encouragement will motivate pupils and acknowledge their work and positive behaviour.
“Demonstrate you support the care, learning and development”. (Burnham)
It is important to provide support and help and to encourage independence, this will help make the pupil feel secure and settled.
“Lev Vygotsky believed that children need adults to support them in their learning in order to extend their ‘Zone of Proximal Development’, which means where their learning might extend. He said that children cannot learn as much without adults and others helping them”. (Burnham)
By listening ensures pupils will feel comfortable talking to you about learning and personal issues such as bullying, problems, home life. If you don’t, a pupil may not come to you again.
“Children are more likely to want to be in school and to learn if they have a good relationship with those who are supporting them.” (Burnham). By being an approachable, consistent part of the pupils’ school life it allows them to feel they have someone they can trust. Treating all pupils the same and not labelling are having prejudices will help to build the pupils confidence as they will know they are equal to everyone else.
Having high but achievable expectations of all pupils will have a positive effect as the pupil will know they have people who support and believe in them.
G White
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