What Kind Of Online Courses For Teaching Assistants Are There?

The teaching assistant (TA) is an integral part of the learning process in any classroom. As a TA, you will fulfil all kinds of functions, from working on specific projects with low-attaining pupils, to stretching the minds and knowledge of more able and talented students, to reducing the workload and stress that teaching colleagues can face.

They can also free the time of the teaching staff to work with specific groups, such as those mentioned above. And they are a member of staff that is increasing in importance, with the numbers of TAs leaping from 70,000 or so at the turn of the century, to some 250,000 today.

But a TA needs to be trained and with over twenty TA courses, NCC Home Learning are fast becoming a leading online provider of such courses.

TA courses can be categorised into three broad categories;

#1 The role of TA
There are many people who are engaged in the role of TA with no formal training – and in some cases, they are never trained in the role of TA which is detrimental to both the person and the support they offer in the classroom.

Understanding this wide, varied role in the context of education in Scotland, England and Wales is important. Schools and educational establishments operate differently between the three countries, as well as the difference at county and local level.

Thus, the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma is an excellent course to understand how and why a TA will operate as they do, along with other courses such as the QCF Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Diploma.

#2 Awareness courses
Today, we are more aware of what can and does impact on learning. Children can live in a variety of situations, showing a range of complex behaviours and reactions to the settings that they find themselves in.

At one time, these children would have been labelled as a nuisance or delinquents. In the modern age, our understanding is such that we can adapt the learning environment so that they too can learn in a way that suits them.

Awareness raising courses are important because they provide the information a TA not only to work with specific pupils, but also to advocate on their behalf in the learning environment. Awareness courses include working with students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), speech difficulties, behavioural issues and mental health disorders that impact on learning and socialising.

#3 Specialist courses
TAs work in all kinds of education settings, which is why we have over 20 courses for teaching assistants. And this number looks set to rise as TAs become the support staff to hold specialist knowledge and skills.

There are certain behaviours and syndromes that will affect how a student is able to learn. Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, depending on their severity, can often result in a student presenting difficult to manage behaviours. With this is mind, TAs can now complete a variety of specialist courses, such as a HLTA level 4 certificate to become a higher level teaching assistant.

Likewise, TAs no longer work just in the primary sector but in secondary and in colleges too. This is why we also run a popular course for TAs working with students aged 16+.

Self-directed study
Teaching assistant courses online can be the perfect option for anyone working in this field to acquire a qualification without being absent from the class. Studying online or from home means that you can study at a pace that suits you.

You can also learn at a time that suits you best too and with support from your NCC Home Learning tutor, you too can become qualified and a specialist in your chosen field.

With TAs performing an increasingly demanding role in the classroom, being skilled, qualified and experienced is no longer optional, but simply essential in the modern education system.

Enrolling on one of our courses for teaching assistants is simple and easy;

• Log on and browse the twenty or so courses on offer – bear in mind your current qualification level, as well as any career goals you have when you make your choice. If you are unsure, or would like further information on any of our courses call us on 0333 220 1538.
• Decide how to study – some of our courses can be studies online, whilst others are paper-format. Look at the course detail for more information.
• Decide how to pay – you can divide the cost of the course over several monthly payments and begin the course with a small deposit. Or you can pay in full.

And that’s it! You could start studying one of our online courses with qualifications for teaching assistants within minutes. What’s stopping you? Learn more about how to become a teaching assistant.