Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai

This study examines the roles, professional development experiences, and training requirements of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) at private schools in Dubai. LSAs are crucial in aiding students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. However, concerns persist regarding thei...

وصف كامل

محفوظ في:
التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
المؤلف الرئيسي: BALASUBRAMANIAN, RAJASHREE (author)
منشور في: 2025
الموضوعات:
الوصول للمادة أونلاين:https://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/3378
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author BALASUBRAMANIAN, RAJASHREE
author_facet BALASUBRAMANIAN, RAJASHREE
author_role author
dc.contributor.none.fl_str_mv Prof Gaad, Eman
dc.creator.none.fl_str_mv BALASUBRAMANIAN, RAJASHREE
dc.date.none.fl_str_mv 2025-03
2026-01-10T13:47:01Z
dc.format.none.fl_str_mv application/pdf
dc.identifier.none.fl_str_mv 23000407
https://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/3378
dc.language.none.fl_str_mv en
dc.publisher.none.fl_str_mv The British University in Dubai
dc.subject.none.fl_str_mv Special Education Needs
Learning Support Assistants
Teaching assistants
Paraprofessional training
Inclusive education
dc.title.none.fl_str_mv Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
dc.type.none.fl_str_mv Dissertation
description This study examines the roles, professional development experiences, and training requirements of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) at private schools in Dubai. LSAs are crucial in aiding students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. However, concerns persist regarding their training, clarity of roles, and integration into the wider school environment. Data was gathered from 54 LSAs via a survey that included both closed and open-ended questions. The research aimed to understand the demographics of LSAs, their roles, the professional development opportunities available, and the barriers they face in obtaining further training. Findings indicate that while LSAs in Dubai are generally well-qualified and trained compared to their international peers, issues with role clarity, collaboration with classroom teachers, and access to structured professional development persist. They reported a need for training in behaviour management, teaching strategies, and facilitating peer interactions but identified significant barriers such as time constraints, financial issues, and lack of institutional support. The study highlights the need for schools and policymakers to define LSAs' roles clearly and provide individualised training programs along with adequate supervision to boost their effectiveness. Recommendations include integrating professional development into school hours, fostering greater collaboration between LSAs and teachers, and further clarifying LSAs' duties to improve their function in inclusive classrooms.
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publishDate 2025
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spelling Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of DubaiBALASUBRAMANIAN, RAJASHREESpecial Education NeedsLearning Support AssistantsTeaching assistantsParaprofessional trainingInclusive educationThis study examines the roles, professional development experiences, and training requirements of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) at private schools in Dubai. LSAs are crucial in aiding students with special educational needs (SEN) in inclusive classrooms. However, concerns persist regarding their training, clarity of roles, and integration into the wider school environment. Data was gathered from 54 LSAs via a survey that included both closed and open-ended questions. The research aimed to understand the demographics of LSAs, their roles, the professional development opportunities available, and the barriers they face in obtaining further training. Findings indicate that while LSAs in Dubai are generally well-qualified and trained compared to their international peers, issues with role clarity, collaboration with classroom teachers, and access to structured professional development persist. They reported a need for training in behaviour management, teaching strategies, and facilitating peer interactions but identified significant barriers such as time constraints, financial issues, and lack of institutional support. The study highlights the need for schools and policymakers to define LSAs' roles clearly and provide individualised training programs along with adequate supervision to boost their effectiveness. Recommendations include integrating professional development into school hours, fostering greater collaboration between LSAs and teachers, and further clarifying LSAs' duties to improve their function in inclusive classrooms.The British University in DubaiProf Gaad, Eman2026-01-10T13:47:01Z2025-03Dissertationapplication/pdf23000407https://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/3378enoai:bspace.buid.ac.ae:1234/33782026-01-10T13:47:35Z
spellingShingle Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
BALASUBRAMANIAN, RAJASHREE
Special Education Needs
Learning Support Assistants
Teaching assistants
Paraprofessional training
Inclusive education
title Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
title_full Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
title_fullStr Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
title_full_unstemmed Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
title_short Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
title_sort Learning Support Assistants’ (LSAs’) Roles, Professional Development Experiences and Training Needs in Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai
topic Special Education Needs
Learning Support Assistants
Teaching assistants
Paraprofessional training
Inclusive education
url https://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/3378