The Integration of Research Findings on Classroom Management into a Programme for Use in Teacher Education

Abstract

This paper describes a study which examined recent research on classroom management and translated the research findings into a skills‐based programme on the theme of Effective Classroom Management. The programme was evaluated both formatively and summatively when piloted in both a rural and an urban setting during an in‐service course organised for primary teachers. The evaluation results show that research‐based concepts and principles lent themselves to translation in a way that was both meaningful and of practical value to teachers. Programme goals of developing a richer conceptualisation of what classroom management entailed and of extending management skills were largely achieved. The study indicates the importance of a conceptual and skills‐based approach to classroom management. It also suggests that the theme carries with it the potential to contribute to teachers’ sense of professionalism.