Teacher Professional Development Needs Identification for Positive Behaviour Management in Ghanaian Schools

Abstract

This article examines professional Development (PD) needs of Ghanaian Teachers on student behaviour management. The general thrust of this paper is to argue that if abusive disciplinary measures in Ghanaian Senior High Schools is to give way to positive behaviour management (PBM), staff needs identification and sustainable Staff Development programmes will have to be critically addressed. This will assist Ghana to achieve some of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals. This qualitative-case study research provides the opportunity for identification of staff training needs, the desired staff development programmes for PBM and an argument for sustainable staff development programmes. This needs identification process as contained in this article has revealed a yawning skills gap regarding teachers and school leaders use of non-abusive disciplinary measures (i.e. PBM). Staff Development must be a continuous process anchored on the training needs of staff, if training is to achieve the desired results.

Keywords: Teacher, Training Needs, Professional Development, Positive Behaviour Management