Effectiveness of pre-service child protection training : student teacher attitudes, perceptions and knowledge

Under the auspices of NSW child protection legislation, pre-service teachers while engaged in their professional experience placement are mandated to report all forms of suspected and known child abuse. Students in the School of Education at the University of Western Sydney receive minimal training of two hours prior to assuming this responsibility. It is essential, therefore, that their knowledge and perceptions about and their attitudes towards child protection be monitored and evaluated. This study assesses these aspects of teacher preparation in child protection for 204 undergraduate teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching secondary education courses one semester after receiving training and following professional experience. A questionnaire based on knowledge, beliefs and perceptions related to child protection legislation and New South Wales Department of Education and Training policy and procedures was distributed at the beginning of spring semester 2005 and the results analysed to determine the effectiveness of training in terms of establishing a knowledge base, appropriate attitudes and valid perceptions. The study demonstrates the importance of thorough and focused preparation for practical experiences in professional education and the critical nature of this component of pre-service education. The information will be used to lobby for more effective and increased child protection preparation for all pre-service teachers to ensure the quality and authenticity of their professional experiences.