Working as teacher assistants/aides in schools: understanding experiences in an Arabian context using the wider pedagogical role model

Abstract

Discussions about the contributions of teacher assistants (Tas) are mainly limited to Western contexts, such as Australia, the UK, and the United States, and studies have consistently explored the role of TAs in inclusive learning environments despite their continuous deployment in special schools. This study attempted to understand the experiences of TAs working in special and inclusive schools in the United Arab Emirates. The study was guided by the wider pedagogical role model, which explains the preparations, deployment, and practices of TAs in schools. Twelve TAs working in special and inclusive schools were engaged in one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. While there seemed to be support for TA preparation, there were issues pertaining to their deployment and practices in schools. The findings recommend the development of national guidelines explaining the recruitment and role of TAs in schools.

Keywords:

• Teacher assistants
• private schools
• public schools
• collaboration
• United Arab Emirates

REVIEW EDITOR:

• Marnie Best, University of South Australia, Australia

SUBJECT:

• Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
• Teaching assistants
• primary/elementary education
• Teachers & Teacher Education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maxwell Peprah Opoku

Maxwell Peprah Opoku is currently an Assistant Professor in Special Education at the United Arab Emirates University. He holds a PhD in Education from University of Tasmania, Australia. Before Joining UAEU, he worked as casual academic, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at Faculty of Education, University of Tasmania, Australia.

Ashraf Mustafa

Ashraf Mustafa is an instructor in Special Education at United Arab Emirates University. He is a trainer in Braille and teaching courses in sensory disabilities. He has more than 20 years working experience supporting children with disabilities in schools and clinical settings.

Noora Anwahi

Noora Anwahi is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree programme in Special Education at United Arab Emirates University. Her area of specialization is mild/moderate disabilities.

Fatima Alkatheeri

Fatima Alkatheeri holds undergraduate degree in Special Education from United Arab Emirates University. Her area of specialization is severe disabilities.

Nada Alsuwaidi

Nada Alsuwaidi is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree programme in Special Education at United Arab Emirates University. Her area of specialization is mild/moderate disabilities.

Aisha Alqutaiti

Aisha Alqutaiti is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree programme in Special Education at United Arab Emirates University. Her area of specialization is Sensory disabilities.

Shashidhar Belbase

Shashidhar Belbase is an associate professor in mathematics education at Troy University, Alabama, USA. Dr. Belbase earned his Ph.D. in Education (Mathematics Education) from the University of Wyoming in May 2015. Dr. Belbase is interested in collaborative research and scholarly activities across the departments and disciplines both locally and globally.