As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, we continuously seek evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes for children. A recent study titled Effect of Banking Time Intervention on Child–Teacher Relationships and Problem Behaviors in China: A Multiple Baseline Design offers valuable insights into the Banking Time intervention and its impact on child-teacher relationships and problem behaviors.
What is Banking Time?
Banking Time is an adaptation of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, designed to enhance the quality of child-teacher relationships. It involves structured, one-on-one sessions between a teacher and a child, focusing on child-led activities. These sessions aim to build a supportive and intimate relationship, which serves as a foundation for addressing problem behaviors.
Key Findings
- Improved Child-Teacher Relationships: Both teachers and children reported higher quality relationships after participating in Banking Time sessions.
- Reduction in Problem Behaviors: While the impact on problem behaviors was less pronounced, there was a modest decrease observed from both teacher and researcher perspectives.
Implementing Banking Time
To implement Banking Time effectively, follow these steps:
- Conduct sessions in a private, quiet, and disturbance-free location.
- Ensure sessions are child-led, with the teacher observing, narrating, labeling emotions, and developing relational themes.
- Sessions should be 10-15 minutes long, held 2-3 times per week over 3-8 weeks.
- Teachers should receive proper training and refrain from criticizing or praising the child during sessions.
Challenges and Considerations
While Banking Time has shown promise, practitioners should be aware of potential challenges:
- Time Constraints: Teachers may find it difficult to fit sessions into their schedules, especially in settings with high teacher-child ratios.
- Environmental Factors: Ensuring a quiet and consistent location for sessions can be challenging.
- External Influences: Family dynamics and external stressors can impact the effectiveness of the intervention.
Conclusion
Banking Time offers a promising approach to enhancing child-teacher relationships and addressing problem behaviors. By incorporating this evidence-based strategy into your practice, you can create more supportive and positive learning environments for children. For more detailed insights, I encourage you to read the original research paper: Effect of Banking Time Intervention on Child–Teacher Relationships and Problem Behaviors in China: A Multiple Baseline Design.
