Best Practice

Avoiding the pitfalls: Teaching assistants, behaviour and learning

The role of the teaching assistant in supporting good behaviour in the mainstream classroom is crucial, but there are a number of pitfalls to avoid. Sara Alston offers some practical advice


Although the role of the teaching assistant is about supporting learning and/or those with special needs, often their focus is on managing behaviour.

The presence of teaching assistants in a classroom can reduce low-level disruptive behaviour. In addition to acting as a role model, the teaching assistant can be an extra pair of eyes and ears, noticing and responding to behaviours without disrupting the teacher’s flow.

However, doing this without exacerbating problematic behaviours is not simple, particularly when faced with more challenging behaviours. There are many issues related to teaching assistants’ training and confidence – both to manage behaviour and support learning effectively.

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