Discovery Primary congratulates Dr Feldman
Dr Feldman subsequently completed his thesis which dealt with supporting teachers in promoting positive learner behaviour.
Benjamin Franklin once said that an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. After years of dedication Discovery Primary School would like to congratulate their Deputy Principal, Dr Kevin Feldman on obtaining his PhD in Psychology.
Upon discovering his interest in aspects of psychology that dealt with human behaviour, Dr Feldman decided to pursue the vast field of study that encompasses the biological, social, and environmental factors that influence how people think, act, and feel.
“I needed to understand why people (learners) behave the way they do. I wanted to find ways of supporting learners in meeting certain behaviour expectations,” he said.
Dr Feldman has been teaching subjects like English, EMS, Technology and History to Discovery’s Grade 7 learners for the past 18 years. Although he has been deputy principal for the past six years, he still enjoys inspiring learners by teaching Grade 7 History.
As a part time student, he admits the journey wasn’t always easy. After obtaining his teachers diploma at the Rand College of Education he immediately started teaching and obtained all his subsequent qualifications as a part time student through the University of Johannesburg and Unisa.
What made it all worth it, Dr Feldman continued, was having the opportunity to be involved with the learners throughout his studies.
“As a teacher I have always been involved and interested in learners’ behaviour. This study is really a natural progression from our challenges as teachers to contemplating possible solutions. It has been most enlightening and at times very sad when you realise what damage a person may have caused when dealing with children,” he said.
Dr Feldman subsequently completed his thesis which dealt with supporting teachers in promoting positive learner behaviour. Using Positive Behaviour Interventions and Support (PBIS), he developed a proposed framework which included aspects of social and emotional learning, restorative practices and a solution focused approach, all informed by trauma informed practice.
As part of being a full service school, he also hopes to share his knowledge with neighbouring schools. He intends to continue with his research and hope to publish informative articles pertaining to this field of study.
His advice to others wanting to accomplish similar goals would be to first find something that genuinely interests them. Then start exploring and setting goals.
“The exploration may be academic, practical, spiritual – that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are interested,” Dr Feldman said.
However, when it comes to getting results, a stable support system is of crucial importance. And so, Dr Feldman would like to thank everyone who supported him in his journey.
“My family, in particular my wife, Dr Bev Feldman, whose area of specialisation is Teacher Wellness, for her guidance and incredible insight. My principal, Mr R C Peters, who shares the same passion that learners be treated with dignity and respect, despite their challenges. And last but not least, the staff at Discovery Primary Full Service School, who try harder each day,” he concluded.
