Abundance of Teacher Aides!

[gymnastjlf]

Hi all,

Happy New Year to all :)

I teach 8th grade math, and I have a dilemma for the upcoming semester -- our students have the option of being a teacher's aide (instead of taking another elective). I have quite a few students that have asked to be my aides this semester - 1 or 2 per class hour.

I would love to have them in the classroom, but I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to use them most effectively in the classroom. In the past I have used my TA to grade papers (I had one girl that helped me out one hour per day).

I have thought about using some of the TAs to pull aside low students for extra help (at least the students that are willing to accept help), and I was also thinking about a couple different ways of getting students more feedback on work.

Typically, my classes run like this (60 minute periods):
Bellwork (on the board when they come in)
Lesson/lecture and notes (20-40 minutes)
Classwork or activity
Closure and HW distribution

I have a tough time to getting students to do Bellwork which is typically a review of basic skills or the previous day's lesson. One thing I was thinking about was actually giving students Bellwork that will be graded each day, and the TAs can grade those (fast grading). My kids need things to be graded (accountability), otherwise they simply don't put forth the effort.

I always dreamed of having extra sets of hands in the classroom, but now I've got the help and I'm not sure what to do with it! Any ideas appreciated.

[Boxcar]

Happy New Year!

I think that having student aides grade work or help other students are great ideas. Of course, I foresee only a few concerns. First, students may grade "easy" for thier friends. There are a lot of tricks to this included "forgeting" to add up all the missed answers correctly. It sounds like you know your students well, so you will be able to assess whether this will be a temptation. The second is that the student aides might not be skilled enough in math to help out struggling students. If they aren't clear on the concepts themselves, that could be a challenge. Again, you will know who can handle it and who can't.

I guess that wasn't that helpful. Sorry. Good luck with your aides! I hope they make your semester easier!

[wig]

I do not know what I would do with that much help from students on a daily basis. One a day would be great. One per class period is overkill - or would be for me.

Is my assumption correct in that these are middle school students helping in a middle school classroom? Just out of curiousity, do you get the more responsible students? I am picturing some of the TAs I would get if it was an elective. LOL!

Re: Grading. I have never allowed students to grade each other's work. It really is no one's business but the teacher, the student, and their parents. I agree with accountability however. We go through the bell work together in class. Each student grades their own with a colored pen that I give them.

Re: Peer Tutoring. IF you a have a student that is really outstanding in math I think this would be a great idea.

Some ideas are:

* File
* Run off papers
* Return graded papers (I always have the grade on the back of the paper so I can have students return papers)
* Pass out assignments and other papers
* Collect assignments and put in alpha-numerical order and write down the numbers of the students not turning in their work
* Dust/wipe counter tops, water plants, etc.
* Take attendance
* Run errands
* If you have students that have difficulty staying on task, never seems to know where you are, etc., a patient TA could help in that area.

I think your subject area makes it more difficult to use TAs. In SS and Science I could see them doing research for me for upcoming units, pulling books from the library, setting up for and cleaning up after labs, using my more computer literate students to "pretty up" PPT presentations, etc.

IMO finding enough work for one or two TAs per class period is going to be difficult. I would be interested in hearing what you finally come up with.

I'm sorry I am not more help. I teach every subject except math and science, so maybe I am not seeing the possibilities for that much help.

[busbus]

This is a great idea - student teaching assistants. I think that your ideas are good ones; especially for grading or noting that the bellwork was done and submitted.

I'm certain, as you work with your TAs, you will note their strengths and skills; therefore, will assign them tasks accordingly.

Good luck to you.