ERIC Number: EJ1119760
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1479-4802
EISSN: N/A
Paraprofessionals in Cyprus and England: Perceptions of Their Role in Supporting Primary School Mathematics
Kyriakides, Andreas O.; Houssart, Jenny
Research in Mathematics Education, v18 n3 p249-266 2016
Paraprofessionals increasingly work alongside teachers in many countries, with research suggesting they undertake pedagogic roles for which they are not formally prepared. We investigate this from the perspective of paraprofessionals supporting individual children with special needs in primary schools in Cyprus and England and develop a typology to conceptualise their views of their role in mathematics lessons in relation to children, teachers and mathematical processes. All perceive themselves as explaining mathematical ideas and dealing with difficulties. Some report having major or sole responsibility for teaching and planning mathematics. The vast majority feel able to do their job with only informal preparation, often linking this to the low level of mathematics involved. We argue that the current situation is contrary to the subject knowledge literature. Expectations placed on paraprofessionals and the mathematical experiences of the children they support arouse concerns.
Descriptors: Paraprofessional School Personnel, Foreign Countries, Disabilities, Elementary Schools, Role, Mathematics Instruction, Responsibility, Expectation, Cross Cultural Studies, Semi Structured Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Cyprus; United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A