Positive Teaching: Challenges for Success

Abstract

This research investigated the merits of including video footage in a training session for teachers. Training promoted ABA based principles of positive reinforcement as a strategy for classroom behaviour management. 17 secondary school teachers and their students were observed using the OPTIC schedule during 65 lessons which indicated that rates of positive and negative teacher feedback and levels of students' on task behaviour were the same as seen in previous research. Phase 1 of the study included results for 6 teachers who participated in non-video training and 1 teacher who participated in video-training. These results allow no clear conclusion to be made about the research hypothesis. Phase 2 included results for 2 teachers who received the video footage training and participated in post-training activities. Results for Phase 2 suggest that training outcomes were achieved and support the hypothesis that post-training activities contribute to a more effective training package. This study highlights the need for the consideration of elements beyond the training package itself in order to achieve effective training and enduring behaviour change in the classroom.