Exploring the role of teaching assistants in an early literacy intervention programme

Johnson, Gillian (2015) Exploring the role of teaching assistants in an early literacy intervention programme. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This study reports research into the role and deployment of teaching assistants who were implementing a literacy intervention - the Fischer Family Trust Wave 3 (FFTW3). A conceptual framework was devised to inform and support the creation, progression and interpretation of the research, drawing upon a postmodern perspective and principles associated with pragmatism and phronesis or practical wisdom. A multiple-case study approach was adopted, using interviews and observations, focusing on six teaching assistants across two local authorities, with the aim of exploring the teaching assistants' implementation of the FFTW3 programme. Analysis was informed by a grounded theory approach where a constant comparison of data was used to create themes. The findings are presented as case reports for each teaching assistant, followed by a cross-case analysis. Findings revealed that the FFTW3 programme provided unique opportunities for sustainable intervention practices which, it is argued, have implications beyond the boundaries of this research. Furthermore, there was considerable evidence that despite supportive structures for the implementation of the programme, barriers to effective deployment persisted in most contexts. The findings raise questions in relation to policy agendas which have not sufficiently clarified the ways in which teaching assistants should be deployed or supported. The implications from this study have relevance for both school systems and educational policy.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Sellman, E.
Harrison, C.
Keywords: teaching assistants; early literacy intervention; Fisher Family Trust Wave Three.
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Social Sciences, Law and Education > School of Education
Item ID: 29377
Depositing User: Johnson, Gillian
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2015 07:21
Last Modified: 15 Dec 2017 12:26
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/29377

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