School-based Teacher Development Scheme in Supporting Students with Developmental Needs in Kindergartens: A Positive Classroom
Background
“A Positive Classroom”, a kindergarten teacher training programme on positive behavioural management strategies, was first organised in the 2017/18 school year. With the 3-year support from the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals (COTAP) and as one of the new modes of professional development programmes developed under T-trainβ of COTAP’s T-excel@hk, the programme was expanded as the “School-based Teacher Development Scheme in Supporting Students with Developmental Needs in Kindergartens: A Positive Classroom” (the Scheme) in the 2018/19 school year. It aims to support kindergarten teachers' application of positive behavioural management strategies, promote home-school collaboration and foster an inclusive culture. Considering the positive response, the EDB has continued implementing the Scheme to support the participating kindergartens to apply the positive behavioural management strategies.
Objectives
Upon completion of the Scheme, kindergarten teachers should be able to:
- have a better understanding of the principles and strategies in positive behavioural management;
- apply positive behavioural management strategies for supporting kindergarten students in the classroom, especially those at risk of or with developmental delay;
- advise parents on the use of the positive behavioural management strategies in handling their children’s behavioural issues at home in line with the school so as to promote home-school collaboration; and
- create a positive culture conducive to the learning and development of students at risk of or with developmental delay.
School-based teacher development
Kindergarten teachers taking part in the Scheme will attend structured training workshops in positive behavioural management strategies. To support their application of positive behavioural management strategies and fostering of an inclusive culture, participating teachers will receive school-based consultative services provided by psychologists from the EDB or a non-governmental organisation commissioned by the EDB.
Networking activities and extended school-based consultative services
Considering the positive response from kindergartens, the EDB has provided extended services to consolidate application of positive behavioural management strategies as well as facilitate the exchange of experiences among kindergartens since the 2019/20 school year, including extended school-based consultative services and networking activities.