Training of physical education teachers and the use of rules to improve school coexistence

Abstract

Background. School coexistence affects the well-being of the entire educational community, students, families and teachers. In turn, it affects school results. Teacher training and school rules management are important variables to consider to improve school coexistence. The aim of this study is to determinethe teachers' perception of training in school coexistence and the use of school rules. Materials and methods. In this study, the teachers' responses regarding training in school coexistence and the use of the rules in the classroom and school to improve it are analysed. This studyis funded by Junta de Andalucía (Spain) under the context of the research project with reference PIV-069/08. The participants are 147 secondary education teachers of physical education (PE). The participants completed two questionnaires created ‘ad hoc’ to evaluate the students’ problematic behaviours regarding coexistence in these classes. An analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables was performed. Likewise, a description of the characteristics of the sample and of the schools was performed, for which absolute and relative frequencies were described. Results.The experience of teachers is considered to be the most useful training in terms of teaching strategies, and most of the teaching staff answered that they "always" established a process of awareness of the rules with positive principles and values at the beginning of the course. Conclusion. The rules of operation of the PE class as well as of the school should be coordinated and agreed upon through the teamwork of the teachers. The results of this study help to establish guidelines for classroom management, as well as for the improvement of teacher training programs. Keywords Adolescents, behaviour, classroom conflict, secondary education, discipline