Effective educator training for preventing school violence: Insights from recent studies

Abstract

Effective educator training plays a critical role in preventing and managing school violence, fostering safer and more supportive learning environments. Recent studies highlight various training programs' successes and areas for improvement. The Irie Classroom Toolbox, evaluated by Baker-Henningham et al. (2021), demonstrated significant reductions in teacher-perpetrated violence in Jamaican preschools, though it showed limited impact on class-wide aggression. Another study by Baker-Henningham et al. (2019) found that a brief school-based training program in Jamaican primary schools effectively decreased violence against children by teachers and improved classroom environments, despite no significant gains in class-wide child aggression or academic performance. Rodriguez-Oramas (2020) emphasized the importance of qualitative approaches in evaluating early childhood violence prevention. The Dialogic Teacher Training (DTT) method, which focuses on egalitarian dialogue and evidence-based strategies, led to significant changes in educators' responses to aggression, creating a zero-violence environment. Biffi and Bianchi (2021) stressed the necessity of comprehensive teacher training to address violence, highlighting that while international frameworks set the stage, practical training equips educators with critical skills to prevent and address violence effectively. Nkuba et al. (2018) assessed the Interaction Competencies with Children for Teachers (ICC-T) intervention in Tanzania, finding it feasible and effective in reducing both emotional and physical violence, with promising initial results, though further research is needed to assess long-term sustainability. These studies collectively underscore that while various training programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing violence and improving classroom environments, ongoing development and integration of psychological support strategies are essential for long-term success in preventing school violence.