'Sink or swim is no way to induct new recruits into the profession' says the NASUWT
The independent research consultants Perpetity Research Consultancy International (PRCI) ltd, have for the last five years been undertaking research, commissioned by the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, into the experiences of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) and recently qualified teachers (RQTs).
The final stage of the research investigated the impact of pupil behaviour on the recruitment and retention of NQTs and RQTs and the training and support they received before and after entering the classroom.
Key findings from the research included:
- teachers’ perceptions of the training they had received on behaviour management and dealing with indiscipline deteriorated as they became more experienced in the job. Almost half of NQTs were dissatisfied with the training they had received once they had been in employment for two terms;
- a consistent call for more practical training rather than abstract theories. They want to see more practical training in dealing with behaviour management, including the opportunities to learn through observing and working with other teachers;
- poor pupil behaviour impacts on the recruitment and retention of NQTs;
- pupil indiscipline continues to impact negatively on teacher practice and classroom confidence and potentially impedes the drive to raise standards.
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:
“The NASUWT has been doing extensive work over a number of years with newly and recently qualified teachers across the UK.
“This research Report confirms the feedback we have received from many NQTs that pupil indiscipline has a significant adverse impact on them.
“It is clear that pupil indiscipline has a detrimental impact on their ability to teach, has led in some cases to poorer educational outcomes and has a negative impact on teachers’ emotional wellbeing.
“It is also clear that pupil indiscipline affects career choices and in some cases, particularly where teachers had experienced physical violence, it was a key factor in decisions to leave the profession.
“It is evident from the research and from the Union’s wider work with NQTs and RQTs that some schools are failing to support new teachers appropriately.
“Too many schools are not using the full range of sanctions available to back teachers in the classroom.
“Schools now have at their disposal a wider range of sanctions to tackle pupil indiscipline than ever before and yet too many teachers, including those who are newly qualified, do not appear to be benefitting from these.
“This is compounded by some NQTs and RQTs being given classes or groups that even the most experienced and able teacher would find a major challenge.
“Too often, new teachers are thrown in at the deep end and left to sink or swim. This is no way to induct new recruits into the profession.
“New teachers are a precious resource and must be nurtured. Without appropriate support, the future of the profession is being jeopardised.
“Initial teacher training courses need to be revisited and reviewed to ensure that they focus specifically on boosting the training for tackling pupil indiscipline both before and during school placements.
“It is critical that the Government continues to make every effort to ensure that all schools use the sanctions and support available to promote good behaviour.
“The new powers on compliance with statutory provisions scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2010, subject to the enactment of the Apprenticeships Skills Children and Learning (ASCL) Bill, will be a much needed powerful tool in ensuring that NQTs get their full induction entitlements.”
