ERIC Number: EJ1051339
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-1027
EISSN: N/A
Romanian Preschool Teachers' Understanding of Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties: Implications for Designing Teacher Trainings
Stefan, Catrinel A.; Rebega, Oana L.; Cosma, Alina
Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, v36 n1 p61-83 2015
Researchers have emphasized the role of the teacher-child relationship on children's adjustment. Children lacking such positive relationships are placed at increased risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD). We propose a qualitative approach to exploring Romanian teachers' knowledge and strategies related to preschoolers who are at risk. Seven focus groups were conducted and were subjected to thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: teachers' understanding of EBD, teachers' beliefs about parental behaviors as risk factors for EBD, teachers' role in preventing children's EBD, and teachers' strategies for managing EBD-related behaviors in the classroom. Teachers mainly used behavioral descriptions when referring to EBD, and differentiated between transient and clinically relevant problems. Although teachers showed awareness about their role in preventing EBD, there was insufficient procedural knowledge about strategies used to deal with such problems in the classroom. The results suggest that teachers need more training and support from mental health professionals to prevent EBD, and to ensure children's well-being.
Descriptors: Emotional Disturbances, Behavior Problems, Preschool Teachers, Prevention, Mental Health Workers, Teacher Role, Teacher Education, Teacher Student Relationship, Well Being, Classroom Techniques, Classroom Environment, At Risk Students, Teacher Attitudes, Preschool Children, Foreign Countries, Questionnaires, Focus Groups
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Preschool Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Romania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A