Who are these people?

Who are these people?

29th October, 2015

 Nick uses his personal work experience to discuss the role of an integration aide within the learning space and how future teachers can incorporate them into their teaching practice.

Including and incorporating all students within the learning space is of utmost importance. Within your class group there is a great likelihood of encountering a student with a special need; this will present many interesting and exciting challenges to you as the teacher. One of the greatest challenges that may be faced is how to include these students in every aspect of learning that takes place in the learning space.  In this situation you may be able to utilise the work of an education support staff member, specifically an integration aide.

The role of an integration aide varies from classroom to classroom depending on the needs of the student. As aides work alongside students with special needs it is important for them to be flexible in their approach to accommodate and ensure inclusion for each student. Some key roles of an integration aide are as follows:

• To ensure inclusion rather than isolation within the learning space.
• Collaborate with teachers to ensure delivery of educational programs to students with special needs.
• Be conscious of the classroom teacher’s expectations for the entire class group and support the teacher with carrying out these expectations.
• To be happy, friendly, warm, encouraging and supportive.

The idea of inclusion is something that is at the heart of my teaching philosophy and I am passionate about the notion of EVERY student feeling as though they are a part of the classroom environment. As an integration aide this means that when working with students in the learning space there is more to the role than assisting students in completing their ‘work’.  The idea of inclusion incorporates assisting students with social strategies as well as effective communication strategies. It may also mean providing students with assistance for mobility or other needs specific to that student to ensure they are able to actively engage within the learning space. These inclusion strategies may extend beyond the learning space into the playground.

How do I incorporate an integration aide into my classroom?

In my role as an integration aide I have been able to gain some insight into how teacher’s can best utilise an aide through collaborative practices. It is important to note that although your learning space may have students with special needs, an integration aide may not always be present, if at all.

Collaboration is vital within the school setting; whether it is between staff or with parents, it is the key to a successful learning environment. Teacher and integration aide collaboration is best achieved through effective and consistent communication to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for students. Allowing access to unit planners or weekly planners is a great way to ensure each party is working towards a common educational goal or outcome for the student. In particular, as a future teacher it is important to ensure these planners are specific to the learning goals of the child with special needs as well as being clear to anyone who reads them.  It is also important as the teacher to liaise with the aide during the session to ensure the student is on track. Alternatively, you can have a brief discussion post session to discuss how the student worked and what areas need to be improved on for the next session.

Overall it can be a great asset to have an education support member in your learning space. However, as discussed, it is vital that they be used effectively to ensure not only inclusion of the students, but to also assist them in achieving the best educational outcomes possible.

- Nick