If Two Kids Are Disrupting The Class By Talking And Giggling What Would You Do
As a TA, there may be times where you have to discipline a child or handle behavioral issues. Elaborate on how you would resolve this situation.
“If two students were disrupting the class and didn’t seem to be paying attention, I would separate them on opposite sides of the classroom. This way they are still a part of the learning environment without having the ability to converse and disturb the rest of the class.”
Question : Why Do You Think Youd Make A Good Teaching Assistant
Talking about ourselves can be challenging. Before the interview, identify your attributes and strengths, and align these with what the school is looking for. Think about the qualities that a teaching assistant should possess patience, empathy, approachability and a caring nature are all attributes that you should be looking to showcase within your answer.
Ask About The School Culture
One topic you will want to ask questions about is the school culture.
You want to make sure you and the school would be a good match for each other.
Asking questions about how the teachers interact with each other, what a typical day for a teacher is like, or other questions about the school environment will help you decide if the school is right for you.
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What Are Some Of The Current Issues In Education
Be ready with a few specific examples of topics you have heard about recently. Consider how they impact teaching and learning, always using examples from your experience where you can. You could refer to a discussion in the staff room, a news report or something you have heard about in your training. Often this may be something that is putting pressure on teachers at the moment. Keep up to date with at least one issue that relates to your subject or age group.
You may then be asked a follow up question around your opinion on this topic. Discuss how this would impact teaching and learning and, if at all possible, illustrate your point with examples from your recent experience. This might lead to additional questions specific to your personal statement or application, designed to give selectors a sense of you as an individual. Your answers should be authentic – interviewers will easily spot a textbook answer. Relax and be yourself.
Learn more about current educational issues.
Do You Have Any Weaknesses As A Teaching Assistant
The goal is to allow a candidate the chance to reveal their weaknesses honestly and offer ways they could improve upon these. What to look for in an answer:
- Prepared for interview questions
- Ability to self-evaluate and improve on any weaknesses
Example:
“My biggest weakness is that I don’t yet have much experience. However, my inexperience means I can quickly adapt to your school’s policies and procedures, and I have a strong will to excel in my position. I’m excited to get started and look forward to making a difference in students’ lives.”
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Do You Have Experience Working With Kids Who Speak Little English
Teaching assistants work to provide tailored learning support to students. This means they likely need to work with students who are learning English as a second language. The goal is to assess a candidate’s relevant language experience. What to look for in an answer:
- Any English as a Second Language teaching certificates
- Experience working with language barriers
- Adaptability
Example:
“In my last position at XYZ Elementary, I worked closely with students from many cultures. I also completed a 120-hour TEFL certificate. As a result, I was able to help many kids make real progress.”
Top 5 Teaching Assistant Job Interview Questions
When interviewing for a teaching assistant position, you really want to do everything you can to show the interviewer your passion for teaching and working with children. While you should always be prepared for common job interview questions, there are a few TA-specific questions that youll want to make sure you have practiced before hand.
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Finally Is There Anything You’d Like To Ask Us
This would be a good time to find out about the school’s induction process if it hasn’t yet been mentioned – this is particularly important if you are an NQT. Who will mentor and support you?
Prepare a couple of questions to ask at the end of the interview. Some of the best types of questions focus on processes in the school, such as:
- How is PSHE delivered?
- What is your vision for the future of the school?
- What key developments do you have planned?
With some advance planning, preparing and practicing of your answers, you’ll be able to handle yourself confidently. Think clearly and leave the interview knowing you’ve told them all they need to know.
Tell Me About A Time That You Encountered A Child Who Didn’t Want To Participate In A Classroom Activity
Children sometimes refuse to participate in activities in the classroom. The interviewer asks this question to better understand your strategies for motivating kids. A great answer is one that talks about how you will positively encourage a child rather than just focusing on negative consequences. Your answer should include steps like finding out why the child is reluctant to participate, offering support where it’s needed and helping the child understand the value behind the activity.
Example:”I would start by sitting with the child one-on-one to find out if there was a specific reason they didn’t want to participate. I would then explain the ultimate purpose behind the exercise and look for ways to overcome their objections and make it fun. If they completely refuse, I generally won’t force them. I would simply offer another alternative that would help them with the same lesson, one that they could do independently and that I think they would also enjoy. I understand that sometimes kids learn in different ways and ultimately my goal is to encourage their love of learning.”
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What Makes A Good Lesson
Advice:
As a Teaching Assistant, you are not in charge of lesson planning, however, it is still important to be aware of what a successful lesson looks like. If you canidentify the important elements of a lesson, then you will be a more productive education assistant.
- Think about everything that goes into a lesson. For example, the materials, seating arrangements, activities and classroom management all play a big part in a lesson
- Draw from your past experience of either working or studying in a school. Discuss lessons that you think worked and those you didnt
Model Answer:
A good lesson depends on many different factors. One day something can work and the next day it might not. I think the most important factor to consider is preparation. If the Teacher and the Teaching Assistant are fully prepared, then the lesson will usually be a success. One of my favourite lessons at school was when we were learning about the human body. Our Teacher invented a game called body part bingo. It was really well prepared and so fun that we all managed to remember the specialised vocabulary that day. Of course, that lesson would not have been possible without the Teaching Assistant calming us down and checking our answers.
Teaching And Supporting Teaching
- How could you support pupils reading?
- How can you tell whether children have learnt something during the task theyve just completed?
- Does learning have to be fun?
- How can we try to engage a demotivated pupil?
- What ideas can we try to help a pupil who is struggling compared with their peers?
- Do you have specific knowledge in any area, for example, a second language or a love of maths? If so, how could you use it in the classroom?
- How can we assess what pupils have learnt?
- Is it important to assess learning? Why?
- What makes a good lesson?
- How can we stretch our most gifted and talented learners?
- How can you encourage reluctant readers?
- Do you have any creative ideas for helping pupils who are struggling with numeracy?
- How would you support a pupil who was struggling with a specific task?
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Teaching Assistant Job Description And Key Duties
As a Teaching Assistant, you will be required to support the lead teacher in his or her duties whilst teaching the relevant educational curriculum in line with the schools policies and procedures. The role requires an ability to assist in the creation of lesson plans, monitor and record student progress, motivate and inspire individuals to be the best they can be, and also responding to the needs of the teacher on a daily basis in support of their duties.
Main responsibilities and duties of a Teaching Assistant
What Teaching Methods Do You Prefer And Why
You can say that you prefer individual approach to each student, because that is mostly what you will do as a teacher assistanthelping individual students during the classes, or students with special needs.
You can also emphasize that you have a knowledge of various teaching methods, and will try to always choose the most appropriate method for the lesson and the situation in the classroom, as well as the individual student. Of course, if you apply for a place at a school which follows certain methodology in their classes , you should praise their teaching methods, and either call them your favorite, or ensure them that you want to follow such methods in your teaching.
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What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role How Did You Handle It
The interviewers would like to know the candidates experience as well as problem-solving skills.
Tip #1: Be realistic
Tip #2: Display that you are capable of solving your problems or obstacles
Sample Answer:
One of the biggest challenges I had when working as a teacher assistant was to tackle students behaviour. Being in an education role is tough as there is no manual or textbook to handle different students. However, I managed to get the hang of it gradually. One of the solutions is by approaching them and making them trust me as an educator and a friend. It was a tough but satisfying challenge.
What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role
This question will check on how long the candidate aims to work at the place aside from observing their readiness.
Tip #1: Provide a related mindset
Tip #2: Briefly explain why the strategy or mindset is important
Sample Answer:
My mindset to work as a teacher assistant is to be flexible. I always remind myself that there are days when things will not work out as planned and any other obstacles that may obstruct my ways. Hence, I need to be flexible and adapt to any unexpected changes well. Doing this will prepare my mind so that I would not be too affected and disappointed which will later hinder my performance as a teacher assistant.
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Why Do You Want To Be A Teaching Assistant
Advice:
People want tofind out how to become a Teaching Assistantfor a number of reasons. However, the main motivation behind this career is often the desire to work with children and help them reach their potential. While this is a great reason, an original and personal response to this common Teaching Assistant interview question is likely to be more memorable.
- Think back to your school days and try to identify how a Teaching Assistant or Teacher helped you and suggest how youd like to replicate that in your Teaching Assistant role
- Or how about drawing comparisons between the role of a Teaching Assistant and any previous roles youve had before pursuing Teaching Assistant jobs
Model Answer:
The role of a Teaching Assistant is more challenging, varied and meaningful than anything I have done before. I want to work in a field where I can make a real difference in peoples lives and witness the positive impact of my work first-hand. I remember how my year 6 Teaching Assistant spent so much time preparing me for my MathsSATsexam. That help was invaluable and I want to be able to provide that for others.
Tips To Answer Scenario Based Questions
As the job of a TA involves working with the children practical skills carry a lot of importance. The scenario based question involves asking you questions about how you will face real life situations like a TA generally faces.
Questions like this will emphasize on how you treat difficult situations and disruptive pupil. You need to impress the Interviewers with knowledge and ability to communicate with children. A proper understanding of child psychology and how to build relationships with children is important while answering these types of questions.
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Great Ebook With Answers To All Difficult Teacher Interview Questions
Do you find it difficult to answer the questions from this article? Do you experience stress in job interviews ? One eBook can make things 100 times easier for you. Teacher Interview Guide, an eBook from Glen Hughins, a reputable interview coach from Philadelphia who co-operates with us and writes for Interview Penguin, will show you brilliant answers to 28 most common teaching interview questions .
You can see the samples from the book, and purchase it for a special price, on the following page: eBook, discounted copy. Thank you for checking it out, and good luck in your interview!
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Types Of Teaching Assistant Interview Questions
HR departments at schools and nurseries are looking for evidence of specific skills, as well as more general proof of your abilities, decision making and knowledge of TA best practice. To find out this information, theyre likely to ask a range of questions.
Lets look in more detail at possible responses to the most common questions teaching assistant candidates will encounter.
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If You And The Teacher Disagree On Something How Would You Resolve It
The employer is looking to see that you know how to work with others and respect the hierarchy, while still holding your ground.
“If the teacher and I were ever to have a disagreement, I would keep in mind that it is their class so they have the authority and the final say. However, if I feel as though I have an idea that could be beneficial in the classroom I will stand behind it and do my best to persuade them to implement it.”
Other Questions You May Face In Your Teacher Assistant Job Interview
- Why should we hire you, and not one of the other applicants for this job?
- Describe a conflict you had with one of your colleagues . How did you solve the conflict?
- How will you motivate the students in the classroom?
- In your opinion, what role does technology play in education nowadays?
- Can you name the main problems teachers face nowadays? How would you address them?
- How would you deal with a disruptive and defiant student?
- What do you expect from the administrators and from the principal?
- What are your salary expectations?
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What Does A Teaching Assistant Do
If asked about the responsibilities of a teaching assistant, you should be able to give a relatively straightforward answer. As mentioned previously, a teaching assistant helps the teacher with anything they require while teaching, allowing lessons to go smoothly. They help students by handing out lesson resources, gathering necessary equipment, logging class attendance, updating grades on student profiles and lending assistance to students.
Example answer:’A teaching assistant helps lessons run smoothly by assisting the class teacher in any way which supports the teacher’s delivery of a lesson, including helping students requiring assistance’.
How To Prepare For A Teaching Assistant Interview
Preparing for a teaching assistant job interview is the same as applying for jobs in other fields, but there are certain questions and scenarios that will come up that you should be prepared for.
In addition, the interviewer will most likely invite you to ask any questions that you have about the school and teaching assistant position.
Due to the trusted position of a teaching assistant, this is a great opportunity to show your dedication to the students well-being by asking questions that are focused on them.
This article will share some tried-and-true job interview preparation tips, plus a more in-depth look at the teaching assistant job interview questions and information that you will need to prepare for your big day.
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Describe Your Daily Routine As An Assistant Principal
The interviewers would like to know more about the candidates experience. If the candidate has no experience working, provide what are the common tasks expected from the job.
Tip #1: Be confident and specific
Tip #2: Display your knowledge and familiarity with the job
Sample Answer:
The first thing I did when I arrived at school was checking the teachers lesson plan. This would give me the gist of what would be taught and what I could do to help ease the lesson. I would then help to prepare the materials for the lesson and set up the classroom. Another daily task would be aiding the lesson and reflecting on the previous lesson.
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What Makes A Good Teaching Assistant
In response to this question, you can describe some of the skills and qualities that you feel a teaching assistant should possess. This can include being well organised, empathetic when dealing with students, personable enough to form a strong working relationship with teachers or having a background in any relevant subjects.
Example answer:’A good teaching assistant has a solid foundation of skills that are necessary for a role in education, such as strong organisational skills, empathy, being easy to get along with and having good subject knowledge. A great teaching assistant approaches their role with care and feels genuine pride in seeing the progress of students’.
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