- Context and source: “What do you think about paraeducators we had in your class, do you think he was helpful in your English learning process”?
paraeducator
noun; compounding
Apparent meaning: a volunteer in ESL class who work with the real ESL teacher, but help students in the learning of English individually. Reason used: Describing someone who work side-by-side with the teacher in ESL class and help the ESL student individually. “para-” is a suffix that means parallel + educator = papraeducators. Type of word formation: compounding. Dictionary entry: noun. A teaching assistant, particularly one who works individually with children who have special language or learning needs.
Etymology : Analysis: ‘side by side’ (para-) + ‘teacher’ (educator, from Latin educatus)
Source : discussion about ESL education in Arlington County)
Last modified: 10 June 2008