Awareness/Action/Prevention: The Pre-Service Education of Teachers Relevant to the Prevention of Crime at Schools (From Crime at School: Seminar Proceedings, 1987, Canberra, Australia, P 31-41, Dennis Challinger, ed. -- See NCJ-134653)

• NCJ Number: 134656
• Author(s): A Peacock
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Teachers can play a positive role in the prevention of crime at school, and proper preservice education should include courses that provide the graduate teacher with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to ensure effective lesson planning and classroom management.

Abstract

All teaching/learning situations have the potential for extreme human emotions and behaviors to occur. These extremes vary, depending on the mix of contextual factors in the particular situation. In the case of student and beginning teachers, the potential for discipline problems is likely to be greater than for experienced teachers. The Western Australian College of Advanced Education (WACAE) has preservice teacher education courses designed to provide the neophyte teacher with the necessary knowledge, understanding, skills, and experience. The courses provide information and feedback on how successful teachers can plan, organize, and manage their classrooms. The WACAE view is that graduate teachers must demonstrate not only knowledge and teaching skills but also be professional in their dealings with students, parents, and other staff. It is concluded that properly structured practical experiences and appropriate monitoring of student teacher progress will help alleviate discipline problems in schools and the possible escalation of crime. The responsibility of parents and students in minimizing behavior problems and crime is also noted. 8 references