NSW: Behaviour management shapes academic success: study
19 Jan 2009 9:54 PM
SYDNEY, Jan 19 AAP - Academic progress in school children could be hindered by the changing discipline they experience as students, results of a new study show.
University of Sydney researcher Natalie Johnston-Anderson analysed policy documents from 40 of the city's childcare centres, preschools and schools to find children experience a "sharp shift" in behavioural management tactics as they move from childcare to preschool and onto school.
The positive approach of gentle guidance during childcare is overtaken by a school system based on rules, discipline and rewards, she said in a statement.
"Where the behavioural environment represents a gradual rather than sudden change for children, the chance of developing positive teacher-child relationships and hence having a successful transition is higher for all children," Ms Johnston-Anderson, who has worked in both childcare and school sectors as part of an honours thesis, said.
"For children already at risk, the differences between the two environments can add an extra layer of challenge when they may already be struggling with learning basic numeracy and literacy skills."
The research found that while 86 per cent of school policies identified using tangible rewards (such as stickers, prizes or certificates), less than 10 per cent of preschools did the same.
Just 12 per cent of childcare policies mentioned rewards and none were in favour of the system.
Seventy-one per cent of school policies featured ordered lists of specific school rules, while just 33 per cent of preschool policies did and no childcare policies did.
"The nature and quality of the kindergarten teacher-child relationship can have repercussions throughout a child's schooling," Ms Johnston-Anderson said.
The findings have led Ms Johnston-Anderson to call for greater consistency between teacher training for early childhood and primary school.
"Teachers in kindergarten classrooms should understand and use the best elements of good childcare and good preschool practice to make the transition easier for children," she said.
