You will participate in a four-week practicum in a K – 6 or grade 7 -12 classroom setting. You will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice while supporting and assisting the classroom teacher. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, you will work in basic subject areas with individuals or small groups.
You will learn the roles and responsibilities of educational assistants within the school setting and society. You will explore legal and ethical implications of your role as an educational assistant and develop an understanding of the importance of professional behaviour.
You will discuss perspectives that educators have regarding the classroom and behaviour. You will examine how cognitive development plays a role in guiding behaviour. You will be able to describe the role that the environment plays in determining and guiding behaviour. You will be introduced to an overview of positive guidance and have the opportunity to select and implement strategies that teach self-control and self-regulation.
You will study the developmental milestones from conception to adolescence. The course provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, brain development and methods of studying human behaviour, including indigenous worldviews. You will learn about the effects of heredity and the environment, including culture, on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and behaviour.
You will be introduced to individual learning styles and other factors that influence learning differences in students. You will learn strategies that facilitate student learning including instructional approaches, classroom management, and effective observation and recording.