Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma

Course Content

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 1: Introduction and ICT (Information, Communication and Technology)

ICT is now a major part of learning at all levels. Therefore this unit will look at ICT and the different mediums that teaching assistants may use to support learning. This will include the use of computers, the internet, and looking at portfolio-based assessment and feedback.

The communication part of ICT is also concerned with personal reflection in order to identify strengths, weaknesses, and explore practice to maintain standards and advance professional development. Therefore this unit will look at SWOT analysis, reflective practice, and continued professional development, as well as general issues of communication.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 2: Supporting learning activities

Supporting learning activities includes supporting teachers, other educational staff, and students. This is probably the most important part of the teaching assistant’s role.

In this unit, we look at what is needed in order to plan, support, and evaluate learning activities in whatever setting they may take place.

We will discuss the possible problems you may encounter and how to deal with these; including how to build relationships, strategies, and policies, etc.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 3: Understanding Child Development

This unit builds on Unit 2; we will look at child development and learning in some detail. The unit also looks at how child development influences cognition and learning. Therefore there will be some anatomy, physiology, and psychology within this unit, together with the evaluation of theories.

The intention of this unit is to give students the opportunity to develop observational skills and the competency to analyze different contexts and situations in order to formulate an appropriate action or activity.

The unit will also include reference to legislation regarding safety, protection, and confidentiality.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 4: Child Safety and Protection

Working with children requires that you know about procedures and policies within your particular working environment with regard to keeping children safe from harm and providing a suitable environment. Therefore in this unit, we will be evaluating the different legislation in place and how this affects the responsibilities and day-to-day activities of the teaching assistant.

One of the key frameworks in place and that will be discussed is the Every Child Matters Framework.

On completion of this unit, you should be able to identify key legislation and describe what your own role and responsibilities are within the framework. This will include everything from safeguarding children, manual handling, hygiene practices, and reporting procedures.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 5: Understanding relationships

Building relationships is a key skill within any educational setting. We will have discussed this briefly in Unit 2, but here we look at the underpinning theories and psychological background. Positive learning experiences depend on positive relationships; therefore we look at communication in detail, for example, listening, body language, etc. These were briefly covered in Unit 1, but here we look at how communication takes place at different ages. This will involve exploring how language develops, the challenges of non-English speaking students, cultural considerations, and the differences when communicating with children compared to young adults.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 6: Literacy and numeracy activities

Whether your role includes helping with numeracy and literacy activities or not, you will at some point need to be involved with these in your student support.

This unit discusses how literacy and numeracy skills are promoted and the types of activities that are used to help students in this respect.

We will look at how children learn to read, write, and comprehend as well as assimilate numbers and simple mathematical problems (although there is not the scope within the course to cover these topics in depth). In addition, the unit will explore different influencing factors such as setting, student ability, and prior learning.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 7: Supporting learning through play

Children in their early years learn through play activities. In this unit, we explore the concepts, theories, and models of play, and offer supporting theoretical evidence for evaluation and consideration.

Structured play activities are designed to facilitate learning in many ways and for specific subjects such as reading and mathematics. The unit will look at many example activities and explore the teaching assistant role in this respect. In addition, equipment and environment will be discussed.

Children’s imagination is an important tool in the learning process. Play fosters the use of imaginative and cognitive processes. Therefore we will spend some time looking at these and assessing the influence different activities have on skills.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 8: Supporting performance and assessment activities

Assessment in either formative or summative forms is integral to education at all levels. This unit will first define and discuss formative and summative assessment and then look at the role of teaching assistants in these processes.

You will explore different techniques such as observation of social and emotional skills, and how to evaluate language and communication skills both with staff and other children.

The unit will also discuss how these observations are reported and discussed with teaching staff.

In addition, and for information, we will briefly look at summative assessment and how this may affect the teaching assistant role.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 9: Supporting special educational needs

Many students in mainstream education have special educational requirements because of disabilities, learning problems, or other contributing factors.

Teaching assistants in this field may be required to support and liaise with parents, guardians, social workers, and other professionals in order to assess progress and develop appropriate actions and activities.

This unit will explore some special education requirements examples together with the legislation which governs the provision of these services within educational establishments.

We will also look at special skills requirements and training.

Level 3 Support Teaching Diploma Unit 10: Supporting learners in special environments (for example therapy, tests, and examinations)

There is a vast array of different situations where the teaching assistant may be required to support learning, and these might be outside the ‘normal’ educational environment. For example, you may be required to support learning in therapy sessions as these may be part of the learning program. This unit will look at the supporting legislation and special skills requirement, such as reporting and documenting.

Invigilating or supervising students during tests and examinations is a common part of the teaching assistant’s role. The unit will look at the processes within the test or examination process and examine the protocols to be observed and skills required for this role.