Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 1999

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Steven A. Schmitz

Second Committee Member

James L. DePaepe

Third Committee Member

Osman Alawiye

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to aid both pre-service and in-service teachers in solving the dilenuna of whether or not to touch students in the classroom environment. The harmful effects and consequences of the use of inappropriate touch by teachers, which tend to cause teachers and administrators to say, "Hands off!", were examined. However, numerous studies were researched which support the use of appropriate touch in teaching children. In addition, educators from fourteen schools in North Central Washington were surveyed to determine the consensus of whether or not teachers today continue to employ touch and for what purposes. The results showed overwhelmingly that teachers still feel the need to touch children under various circumstances and in various ways, as an aid in classroom management and to show care and support to students. Reconunendations were given as to how to properly incorporate appropriate touch into the classroom, in order to ensure a full educational experience for the student.

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