Teaching Assistant’s Guide to Child Development and Psychology in the Classroom

Susan Bentham is principal lecturer in Education at the University of Chichester and a chartered psychologist. She has previously published How to Be a Brilliant Teaching Assistant (2018, Routledge), A Teaching Assistant's Guide to Completing NVQ Level 3 (2009, Routledge), and A Teaching Assistant’s Guide to Managing Behaviour in the Classroom (2005, Routledge).

• IntroductionDefinitions of reflection and the reflective practitionerWays to reflect: the reflective accountWays to reflect: the professional dialogueFinal comments1. Basic principles underlying pupil development and learningIntellectual and cognitive skillsLanguage and communication skillsSocial and emotional skillsSpecific skills and abilitiesSummary2. Learning support strategiesLearning strategies as a way to promote effective learningSpecific skillsSummary3. Creating an optimal learning environmentBarriers to effective learningIn search of an optimal learning environmentLearning preferencesSummary4. Pupils with Additional NeedsInclusionTerminology Autism spectrumDyslexiaDevelopmental coordination disorder Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorderSpeech, language, and communication difficultiesSensory impairmentEnglish as an additional languageCare experienced childrenMental health and wellbeingPutting it all together5. Behaviour for learningIntroductionLanguage of behaviourStrategies to promote good behaviourSummary6. Establishing positive relationships with pupils and colleaguesIntroductionBasic principles of effective communication with pupilsTechniques of active listeningPupil voice, agency, and co-productionWorking with groupsStaff wellbeingWhat does a collaborative relationship look like?7. Self-esteem, motivation, and independent learnersSelf-esteem and self-conceptFactors that affect the development of self-esteem and self-conceptStrategies that will enhance self-esteemPraise and self-esteemThe relationship between self-esteem and achievementMotivationFactors that promote independence: developing autonomyTeaching choice