The purpose of this study was twofold. First, it aimed to present an argument for the inclusion of primary-age children's views in the decision-making process in primary schools. Second, it aimed to explore the potential of primary-age children to contribute to better decisions about their own schooling. The hypothesis is that primary-age children have worthwhile views of schooling that should be introduced into both classroom and school decision-making processes. Authoritarianism, moral development, childrenqs rights and active learning were explored in relation to child participation in decision-making. This study attempted to explore children's views of schooling from the viewpoints of the children themselves. Children kept diaries of school for one week and from these diaries an interview schedule was constructed to allow the exploration of their views. The study shows that primary-age children have views that can contribute legitimately and valuably to decision-making at both the classroom and school levels.

The increased demand for Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) has been linked to changes that have occurred in the family structure and work habits. OSHC programs operating on school sites under the management of a committee of parents and school representatives provide parents with one option to meet the needs for care of primary age children. This study examined the issue of OSHC from the perspectives of workers involved in the provision of services in government school sites in the ACT. Data were gathered by way of semi-structured interviews with nineteen coordinators from sixteen After School Care (ASC) centres. The data were analysed to find similarities in the experiences of workers interviewed. Extracts from the interviews are presented in the findings to illustrate the perceptions care givers have about their work and areas where changes can be made to improve the quality of ASC services. The study provides information on the factors affecting the provision of quality services and suggests possible directions for future planning and research in this area. The findings indicate that the care givers interviewed perceived their role as a positive influence in the lives of children and families. Care givers sought to provide relaxed environments for children after the school day. Many centres operated with the strong support of parents, schools and management committees. The findings suggest that ASC centres can and do operate successfully on school sites in the ACT and that care givers were generally happy with the level of service provided. However, variability in the facilities and support provided to centres was noted. The study concludes that real improvement to the quality of programs and support of workers is dependent on the introduction of nationally recognised standards in the provision of ASC.

The integration of disabled children into regular schools is a current educational and social issue causing widespread interest, concern and debate throughout Australia. The most controversial and innovative adoption of integration policy has occurred in Victoria since the release of the Collins Report in 1984. The present study was conducted in 26 State primary schools in the Bendigo area of the Loddon Campaspe Mallee region of Victoria where disabled children had been integrated in regular classrooms with the assistance of a paid teacher aide during 1988. The purpose of the study was to survey the concerns of those teachers into whose classes children with disabilities had been integrated. The Stages of Concern (SoC) dimension of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (C-BAM) was chosen as the research methodology. C-BAM was developed at the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education, University of Texas at Austin, and for the purpose of this study, the methodology consisted of a questionnaire of 35 standardized items (the Stages of Concern Questionnaire), and a School Survey. The study set out to identify the concerns of teachers (ii) toward integration, and to establish reasons why teachers are at particular stages of concern. Factors included teachers' age, gender, number of years of teaching experience, qualifications and in-service training. Other issues related to the disabled children themselves, the school, and factors such as availability of resources, funding levels, and access to support systems. This study developed from the policy document Integration in Victorian Education (the Collins Report, 1984). Since then, the Ministry of Education has published two additional booklets (in January and February, 1987), which partly address some of the issues included in this thesis. These include resourcing, in-servicing and the legal implications of the innovation. The analysis of the data points to major shortcomings which will jeopardize the implementation process and the likely success of the innovation. A number of recommendations have been suggested, with particular reference to the pre-service and in-service training of teachers, and issues relating to funding and resources. The findings have implications for all classroom teachers, as potentially all are required to accept disabled children into their classes. The results and recommendations also have relevance for the Ministry of Education, whose responsibility it is to ensure that the integration of disabled children into regular classes is fully supported at a government level, and for training institutions, whose task it is to provide appropriate pre-service and in-service programs for present and future classroom teachers.

<p>This research proceeds via a mixed methods paradigm using both qualitative and quantitative methods in a case study research design. A conceptual framework of mutually interacting variables influencing each other and impacting on and defining the roles teachers have to execute to deal effectively with HIV and AIDS challenges, is provided to facilitate the research process. This conceptual framework in conjunction with a theoretical framework which includes critical constructivist theory and the pedagogical models of Delors and Bronfenbrenner, guide the course of this study. The main recommendation of this study was that formal focused training should be given to teachers. This formal training should emphasise the role of the teacher as counselor, the teacher as an anti-stigma, anti-discrimination and anti-prejudice agent, a HIV-aware, HIV-competent and HIV-safe teacher and pastoral carer having the competence to deal with the practical issues around HIV and AIDS.</p>

This study aimed at investigating classroom management approaches of primary school teachers and exploring if their management approaches are consistent with the constructivist curriculum. The sample consisted of 265 primary school teachers working in Kastamonu. Data were gathered from the participants via Classroom Management Inventory developed by the researcher. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the data. Mixed Design ANOVA (within subjects and between subjects) was employed to investigate the dominant classroom management approach that teachers use and to explore the effect of some variables on classroom management approaches of teachers. Results of the study indicated that primary school teachers prefer to use studentcentered management approach rather than teacher-centered approach. That is teachers&rsquo / management approaches are consistent with the constructivist instruction. Furthermore, some background variables were found to affect the classroom management approaches of teachers. A significant difference was found in classroom management approaches of teachers with respect to teaching experience, branch, type of certification and average number of students teachers have in their classes while no significant difference was found with respect to gender variable.

Area of focus/rationale for the study: This study is an evaluation of an intervention, named Thrive, which is designed to promote the emotional development of children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). The focus is to investigate the extent to which Thrive is effective in improving certain emotional and behavioural outcomes for children as well as exploring the experiences of those who are involved with the programme. The study is set out in two papers. Paper one assesses changes in pupil emotional well being over time using two subscales designed to measure specific aspects of resiliency, namely, ‘emotional reactivity’ and ‘sense of relatedness’. It also uses an assessment to measure changes in emotional and social skills which are considered important in order for pupils to engage in learning in a mainstream classroom environment (readiness to learn). Paper one also looks at the possible association between the Thrive training and staff attitudes towards pupils with EBD. Paper two explores, in depth, the experiences of the Thrive approach from the perspective of a small sample of school staff, pupils and parents. This process of exploration serves to better understand the outcomes from paper one by identifying a number of factors which may contribute to the successful or unsuccessful implementation of Thrive in a particular educational context. Context, Background and Research Objectives: Broad labels of ‘Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties’ (EBD) and’ Behavioural Emotional and Social Difficulties’ (BESD) tend to encompass behaviour which interferes with a child’s own or other’s learning; signs of emotional turbulence; and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships. SEBD is used interchangeably with BESD (Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties) in policy documents and theoretical writing (Evans, 2010). Schools tend to use the term EBD and this will generally refer to children whose behaviour and emotions prevent them and others from learning to their potential (DCSF, 2008). For ease and consistency I will use the term EBD throughout this study. The Special Needs and Disability Act (2001) sets out the right for children with EBD to be educated in mainstream schools. Due to the disruptive impact on learning for self and others, this group of children have been cited as one of the most difficult groups to include (Evans & Lunt, 2002). Behaviour management continues to be high on the education policy and practice agenda in England and the rest of the UK. Schools are faced with the challenge of finding ways of ensuring children with EBD are included in the ordinary classroom with their peers and to ensure that the needs of this vulnerable group of children are adequately met. Alongside this, Government Policy (e.g. NICE Guidelines, 2007) now requires schools to promote the emotional well-being of children who exhibit signs of emotional and behavioural disturbance. There is a demand for evidence based approaches to support children with EBD in mainstream schools from which professionals, such as Educational Psychologists, can draw on in order to make positive changes (see literature review in Appendix B.9 for more details). Thrive is a trademarked programme developed by a multidisciplinary team named ‘Fronting the Challenge’ (ftc). The programme is described as a ‘dynamic developmental approach to working with vulnerable and challenging children whose behaviour interrupts their own and others learning’. The Thrive programme borrows from a range of research and theory around neuroscience, child development, attachment theory and the role of creativity and play (for example Sunderland, 2006; Hughs, 2004; Illsey- Clarke & Dawson, 1989; Stern, 2003). It can be described as a school based intervention which is informed by a psychotherapeutic model as it aims to support children by addressing core relational and developmental features (Evans et al., 2003). Similar to nurture groups, Thrive is based on the understanding that for a child to develop a healthy ability to adapt to his or her social environment they must have experienced a sensitive, responsive and caring relationship with a significant carer/parent (Stern, 2003; Sunderland, 2006). But additional to a nurture group approach, the intervention draws on a concept from Transactional Analysis (Berne, 1964; Levin, 1982; Illsley Clarke & Dawson, 1998) which assumes that a child moves through a number of clearly defined stages of emotional development. The Thrive approach uses a computer based assessment, which relies on pupil observations, to identify specific ‘interruptions’ in this development; and targeted relational experiences, i.e., experiences of being in relationship with another human being, are recommended to promote further development. This will be discussed in more detail within the introduction of this thesis. As part of a wave two pathfinder for the Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS) Project under DCSF, in 2009, Thrive training was delivered to staff working with children and young people in three learning communities within a local authority in the South West of England. This included staff from approximately forty schools (including primary schools, secondary schools, a PRU and a special school) as well as multi-disciplinary staff such as CAMHS, Educational Psychologists and Behaviour support staff. At the time of beginning this study, thirty eight primary schools within the local authority had already been trained in Thrive and were implementing the intervention with some of their pupils. There was much testimony from staff working with children and young people that the training was highly valued and influential on their professional practice. Furthermore, there were a number of claims suggesting that pupils involved in Thrive were experiencing a whole range of positive outcomes attributable to the programme. For example, that the most disruptive pupils were calmer and making fewer visits to the Head Teacher’s office; that emotionally vulnerable children had become more confident and more trusting; that attendance had improved; and that the number of fixed term exclusions had diminished. Although there were a small number of detailed case studies prepared by schools themselves, the claims were, in the main, based on anecdote. Where schools had made some attempt to measure the impact of Thrive the methodology lacked basic rigour and findings were susceptible to bias; pre and post measurements were very limited and control measures were absent in all cases. The project lead for TaMHS reported ‘emerging’ data in relation to reduced numbers of fixed term exclusions, reductions in referrals to other services and referrals for statutory assessment. However, the source of this data was also said to be unreliable. Despite all of this, a general positive ‘vibe’ about the intervention based on a melange of potentially unreliable evidence was persuasive enough for the local authority to consider further investment into the intervention. Further details of current evidence related to the impact of Thrive can be found in Appendix A.1. Objectives of this study: • To provide a more reliable understanding of the effectiveness of the Thrive programme in supporting children with EBD within mainstream primary schools. More specifically: - To find the extent to which Thrive reduces pupil ‘emotional reactivity’, improves pupil ‘sense of relatedness’ and improves ‘readiness to learn in a mainstream classroom’. - To find whether there is an association between the Thrive training and staff attitudes towards the inclusion of children with EBD in mainstream primary schools. • To explore how a small sample of pupils, parents and staff experience Thrive.

The research entailed the development, implementation and evaluation of a conflict resolution programme. Using the ecological perspective as the theoretical framework, the study highlighted the school as an appropriate context within which to promote non-violent strategies for conflict resolution. A conflict resolution programme for adolescents was developed by adapting specific modules of existing programmes. The researcher trained a group of social work students in the implementation of the programme. Using the groupwork method, the programme was subsequently implemented with standard five pupils at primary schools in Durban. The researcher supervised four pairs of students who implemented the programme with four groups of pupils at three schools. The thirty-nine pupils who collectively made up these groups, constituted the sample in the study. The pupils ranged in age from eleven to fifteen. The programme was implemented over eight one-hourly sessions, held once weekly, over eight consecutive weeks. Several data collection instruments were developed. The programme was evaluated in terms of its content, methods of implementation and outcome. The incorporation of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis enabled the researcher to validate information derived from different sources. The study discusses the processes used in programme development, the training of the facilitators, the selection of the sample, programme implementation and programme evaluation. The study found that the conflict resolution programme was effective in creating awareness of the advantages of adopting non-violent strategies of conflict resolution and in contributing to the development of effective problem-solving skills. The research data and the literature reviewed, reflected the need for school-based conflict resolution programmes. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, recommendations were made with regard to the further adaptation of the programme, the inclusion of conflict resolution programmes into school curricula, appropriate training for programme implementation and the social work role in conflict resolution skills training. Policy recommendations regarding conflict resolution skills training and the need for further research in the area of conflict resolution and programme evaluation, were also provided. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1997.

<p>This research proceeds via a mixed methods paradigm using both qualitative and quantitative methods in a case study research design. A conceptual framework of mutually interacting variables influencing each other and impacting on and defining the roles teachers have to execute to deal effectively with HIV and AIDS challenges, is provided to facilitate the research process. This conceptual framework in conjunction with a theoretical framework which includes critical constructivist theory and the pedagogical models of Delors and Bronfenbrenner, guide the course of this study. The main recommendation of this study was that formal focused training should be given to teachers. This formal training should emphasise the role of the teacher as counselor, the teacher as an anti-stigma, anti-discrimination and anti-prejudice agent, a HIV-aware, HIV-competent and HIV-safe teacher and pastoral carer having the competence to deal with the practical issues around HIV and AIDS.</p>

The study searches for staff development programs associated with good academic performance in the Lesotho Primary School Leaving Examination. The study was conducted mainly to: • examine the type of programs available in schools to support staff development. The research was conducted by means of questionnaires (Appendix 2) handed out to principals and teachers in four primary schools in the Mafeteng district in Lesotho. The results of the study indicate that there were inadequate staff development programs in schools and that the programs were not well administered. The main recommendations of the study were: • Considering the nature and scope of this study there is need to broaden the scope of further research to include not only few schools in Mafeteng district but also all schools in Lesotho. • Research should not be conducted in primary schools only; but in post primary schools as well where staff development programs may just be as important as they are in the primary schools. More research needs to be carried out in order to investigate the quality of the programs that presently exist in schools, because according to the study it seems the very few that exist do not have much impact on the academic performance in the schools studied. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Natal, 2002.

This is a study of the Implementation of the Developmental Appraisal System in a former DET school in the Pinetown District of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture. It focuses on how educators have understood the Developmental Appraisal System, how they have experienced it and what they would recommend for the DAS so that the school, hence the education system can benefit from it. The main findings in this study indicated that there is a need for retraining of educators for the Developmental Appraisal System to be a success. The problem of the time constraints is also another factor that has made the practical implementation of the DAS to fail. Attitudes of educators in connection with the DAS need special attention so that they become more positive about the DAS. Positive findings indicated that involving other people when one has to be appraised makes the appraisee experience other people's input about his/her strengths, areas of development, opportunities and situations threatening his/her performance. I, as a researcher, would recommend a closer look at how time is made available for the process. If possible, Circuit Appraisal Teams (CATs), District's, Regional's, Provincial's and National's Appraisal Teams set an example to educators at school level. They can do this by being the first to be appraised. School Management Teams and office-based educators could also do the same. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.