Teacher Training In A Proactive Approach To Classroom Behaviour Management: Teacher and Student Outcomes

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of a brief teacher training program in proactive classroom management (PCM), on both teacher and student outcomes. The teacher training program was conducted in a large, inner city public school and was designed as an efficient and cost-effective approach to assisting school personnel in the prevention of off-task and disruptive student behavior. Four groups of teachers (N=16) participated in a single, 4-hour workshop that focused on didactic and performance-based training of such PCM procedures as building rapport, priming for transitions, scaffolding for success, building child tolerance to classroom stressors and teaching replacement behaviours. The program was implemented using a multiple baseline design across groups of teachers. Data were collected through classroom observations of teacher skill implementation and student behaviour (two students in each classroom who presented with behavioural challenges were observed), as well as pre and post self-report rating scale measures of teacher attributions and perceptions and student behaviour. Visual and statistical analyses of group and overall teacher data revealed significant increases in the use of reinforcement and antecedent strategies, reported use of rewards as an intervention strategy, reported levels of confidence in their ability to manage student misbehaviour, and a shift in teachers’ views of student misbehaviour as being more temporary rather than chronic. Significant decreases in teacher reactive responses and reported levels of student inattention and overactivity were also demonstrated. With respect to students, visual and statistical analyses of group and overall data revealed increases in student on-task non-disruptive behaviour and reported levels of self-reliance. Student disruptive and off-task behaviour were significantly reduced. Despite several limitations, the results of the present study demonstrate that student problem behaviour can be efficiently and effectively managed in the classroom without the use of reactive strategies.Ph