Educational Situations Name four practices that commonly require written administrative procedures.

Memorandums that include school policy changes or important information for the staff are commonly distributed in writing so that the information is accurately conveyed and properly received and documented. Many staff communications to the administration, such as requests for new classroom supplies or for personal leaves of absence, are also communicated in writing. If disciplinary action of any kind is taken against a student, it is commonly recorded in writing in the student's permanent file, and a copy of this information may be sent home to parents. Finally, the recording of daily vital information, such as student attendance and test scores, are done in writing.

How would you know if you are complying with EQ policies and procedures?

A a) If I were not complying with EQ policies, I would receive notification or a warning of some kind from my superiors;

b) I will receive positive feedback on my performance;

c) I will be staying within the set guidelines presented to me both verbally and in writing for these policies.

3. Explain non-verbal communication and provide three examples of ways that we communicate non-verbally.

Non-verbal communication includes all forms of conveying a message between one person to another person or a group of people without the use of spoken words. Non-verbal communication may include tone of voice, body language, and physical contact.

4. What are three considerations that we should have in mind when writing letters home to parents?

The letters that are sent home to parents from their child's school represents the school to them. The letters should come across as professional in every sense. It is important that the letters are clean and neat, because this will give the impression that the school is also a clean and neat environment. It is important also that all letters sent are free of grammatical and spelling errors, as it is important that the parents have confidence in the intelligence of the people in charge of the student's education. Finally, it is important that the letter is both succinct and complete, for parents are likely to skim over a long letter and miss important points, and likewise an incomplete letter that leaves parents with more questions than answers will be upsetting and lead to a flood of calls from confused parents.

5. Why is cultural sensitivity so important in your role as an education support person?

Every person deserves an equal opportunity to be involved in quality education, regardless of their gender, race, cultural background, disability, or any other factors. Likewise, every person has a right to feel welcomed and respected in the educational environment. It is important to be sensitive to the cultures and differences of both coworkers and students not only to ensure the individual feels comfortable and does not get offended, but also because as an educational support person, one is a role model for the students who need to learn how to be respectful of one another.

6. Explain the difference between "nature" and "nurture."

The theories of "nature" and "nurture" are theories of child development. Nature relates to all things inherited in the child's behavior, such as instinct or genetic disposition. Nurture relates to all learned behaviors, that can be affected and influenced by the child's caretakers and outside influences. Most child psychologists today believe that children are influenced by a combination of nature and nurture factors.

7. Who is primarily responsible for identifying students learning difficulties in the classroom context. There may be more than one.

The person primarily responsible for identifying learning difficulties in the classroom is the student themselves. If a student expresses having difficulty with the classroom environment or learning material, whether that be through verbal or nonverbal means, it is important that this be addressed as an important matter. Additionally, the teacher needs to be watching for these signs and must serve as a secondary identifier for these difficulties. Finally, any other observers, such as other students or administrators observing the classroom, also need to focus on isolating learning difficulties.

8. Give an example of a situation where you might be asked to provide learning support for a student with learning difficulties. What sort of support could you offer in this circumstance?

One example would be a dyslexic student who is having difficulty following the classroom lessons because reading is more difficult for this student. I could first provide emotional support for this student, assuring him or her...

Second, I could take time out to review the material privately with the student, working at the same time on developing healthy reading skills, as well as ensuring that the student had a full understanding of the lesson. Finally, I could help the student find support groups and additional assistance for his or her learning disability through community groups or the Internet.
9. Identify some common class rules that are laid down to guide student behaviour. List three of these rules and explain why they are important.

One common class rule is that students are not allowed to have physical contact with one another. This is an important rule because it prevents students from causing physical harm to each other, or from making a student uncomfortable from unwanted physical contact. A second rule is that students must be quiet while the teacher is speaking. This is important so that the teacher and students are able to concentrate, and so that every student has the chance to hear the lesson. A third common rule is that students must raise their hands and be called on before speaking. This keeps the classroom orderly and prevents chaos from breaking out among the students.

10. Why is cultural sensitivity so important in your role as an education support person?

See # 5.

11. If you were given the task of preparing a sheet of work for your class, what should you do to ensure that it complies with the teacher's expectations?

Before beginning work on the worksheet, it is important to listen carefully to (or read carefully) the teacher's instructions. Ask questions if any of the instructions are unclear or if you need clarification. Once the worksheet is completed review it by yourself and then with the teacher to ensure that it complies with the teacher's expectations, and be prepared to make any revisions deemed necessary.

12. How and from whom would you expect to get guidance about using an overhead projector?

The audio visual department, also known as the AV department, would be in charge of equipment such as an overhead projector, also including televisions, VCRs, and other electronic media. By contacting this department, I would be able to reserve an overhead projector to be picked up in that department or to be delivered to my classroom, if I did not have a designated projector for my room. The "Av Crew" would additionally be able to provide any technical assistance or guidance that I might need for using this equipment.

13. If a parent asks you about the progress of an individual child, what should you do?

The first step to take when a parent asks about the progress of an individual child is to assure the parent that the student's progress is important to you and that you value the fact that he or she has inquired about the student's progress. Scheduling a parent/teacher conference is advisable, as this can be done in a private and controlled environment with a set amount of time set aside for this student and his or her parent alone, without distractions such as interruptions from other people or time restrictions.

14. Briefly summarize your demonstrated compliance's of you complying with a specific Education Queensland policy and procedure. Explain how you would demonstrate these points.

In complying with the policy that educators should construct relevant learning experiences that connect with the world beyond school, I would help the students to connect their in-class experiences with real-world situations. I would help the students to see that all of the subject areas are interconnected, and to see that in their life already they are using the basic skills that will lead to a successful school and professional career.

15.Compose an appropriate letter to go home to all parents of the children in a class inviting them to an education event at the school. Ensure that the letter is culturally sensitive.

Sincerely,

The Educational Staff Team

16. Discreetly select a student in the class who is having learning difficulties, gain as much understanding as much as you can. Write brief notes about the support programme that the student is receiving. Do you have any suggestions that might increase the effectiveness of the existing programme?

This female student is having difficulty with performance in mathematics. Although she seems to grasp the concepts behind the lessons, she runs into difficulty when actually completing practice problems. She seems to especially have difficulty during timed activities, when there is a short amount of time in which to complete the math problems. The teacher is very…