Does work experience matter when training teachers to deal with school disengagement?

BACKGROUND Traditionally, teachers with less work experience receive more training in non-academic areas such as school disengagement. This circumstance affects a school’s readiness when attempting to create a student-focused environment. Teachers need to have a consistent approach when dealing with disengaged students. OBJECTIVE The study examines the relationship between work experience on the decision relating to in-service training needs to cope with school disengagement. This study focuses on the schools from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. METHODS The method consists of several steps. The first step is to identify a general set of non-academic training needs. The next step is to distribute the survey to teachers. Finally, statistical analysis is applied to examine the impacts from work experience. RESULTS Based on the surveys completed by 147 teachers who are categorized into four work-experience groups. The findings show that work experience does not affect the decisions regarding training needs. Thus, younger as well as older teachers alike should be provided with similar training programs to deal disengaged students. CONCLUSIONS Work experience should not be used as a criterion when selecting teachers when providing in-service training for non-academic areas. Consistent practice by teachers is needed when creating a student-focused environment.