Partnering with teachers to build whole of class therapy programs. Learning from a rural school in Western Australia.
Monica Moran1, Prue Matthews1WA Centre For Rural Health, UWA, Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
Abstract
Background
Self-regulation and executive functioning skills in children are increasingly recognized as key predictors of academic and social competence. When these skills are impaired, children can struggle with learning and exhibit challenging behaviours impacting academic and social outcomes. Early intervention is recognised as a protective factor. The Zones of Regulation (ZoR) program is a curriculum designed to help teachers to implement emotional awareness and self-regulation strategies within classrooms. This program assists children to identify their feelings and emotional reactions and learn strategies that encourage self-regulation. There is an emerging role for occupational therapy (OT) and other allied health students to work with teachers to implement whole of classroom self-regulation strategies.
Research Aims
•To explore the experiences of teachers when working with OT students in their classrooms to implement ZoR program in a rural school in Western Australia.
•To evaluate teachers’ perspectives of the impact of this program in their classrooms.
Methodology
This study used a qualitative methodology. Data were collected from the teachers and education assistants using focus groups.
Results
The classroom program ran for 2.5 years. Participants (n=20) included teachers and education assistants. Data analysis resulted in the development of four categories: a win-win for all involved, significance of shared language, a solid start, and sustainability considerations.
Discussion
Findings indicate that teachers and OT students developed a shared language to help children express, understand and regulate feelings appropriately. Sustainability of classroom programs, resourcing, barriers, and strategies to expand such programs involving therapy students will be discussed.
Biography
Monica is associate professor of rural health at the WA Centre of Rural Health and a registered occupational therapist. She works to support the rural health workforce through the creation of authentic student learning experiences, the development of support strategies for rural health teams, and research and evaluation of integrated team programs.