The last two years have changed the definition of a classroom. It is no longer confined to a room. Virtual classes have been introduced on various online platforms which are constantly redefining the notion of classroom learning. During the pandemic, when children were not allowed to go outside, these online classes were the only option to opt for. Now, school is going back to normalcy.
This change has put students in a dilemma, their behaviour is the result of that. Disruptive behaviour in the classroom brings difficulty for both teachers and students. So, to get them back on track, it is important to address these changes.
Types of challenging behaviours in students
Challenging behaviour in the classroom can vary in severity and type. Understanding these behaviours helps in managing them effectively.
- Disruptive behaviour: This includes talking out of turn, interrupting the teacher, or arguing with classmates. It often reflects a lack of discipline and can disrupt the learning environment for both students and teachers.
- Withdrawn behaviour: Students showing withdrawn behaviour may be hard to engage. They might refuse to speak, avoid eye contact, or seem uninterested in classroom activities, making it challenging for teachers to involve them in learning.
- Inappropriate behaviour: This type of behaviour is disruptive and goes against classroom expectations. It includes using inappropriate language, making unsuitable comments or gestures, and behaving in a way that distracts from the learning process.
- Violent behaviour: The most severe form, violent behaviour involves physical harm or property damage. This includes hitting, kicking, spitting, or throwing objects, and can create a dangerous environment for others.
Causes of challenging behaviours in students
Understanding the causes of challenging behaviour can help in finding effective solutions. Here are some common reasons:
- Emotional issues: Students may display challenging behaviour due to underlying emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, or stress. These emotions can affect their behaviour in the classroom.
- Lack of engagement: If students are not interested in the lesson or find it too difficult, they may act out. Boredom or frustration can lead to disruptive actions.
- Unclear expectations: When behavioural expectations are not clearly communicated or consistently enforced, students might struggle to understand what is expected of them, leading to misbehaviour.
- Personal problems: Issues outside of school, such as family conflicts or problems at home, can impact a student’s behaviour. These personal challenges can manifest as disruptive or withdrawn behaviour in the classroom.
- Developmental differences: Some challenging behaviours can be linked to developmental stages or learning difficulties. Students with special educational needs or developmental delays may exhibit behaviours that are difficult to manage.
Most common behaviour issues observed in students
With students coming back to school, teachers are observing changes in their behaviour. Being alone at home and increased screen time impacted their way of living. The most common issues noticed in students are anxiety, anger, impatience, lethargy, learning loss, reactiveness, unwillingness to communicate, etc. These are causing a lack of concentration in the classroom and resulting in them losing interest in learning.
How to assess your student’s behaviour?
It is critical to understand these changes in the students before addressing them. Here are a few ways to assess changes in student behaviour:
List of challenging students
Observe the changes in the students when they are in the classroom and interacting with others. Also, talk to parents about what behaviour changes they are seeing in their child at home. Based on the observations and conversation make a list of the students where they need support or need to pay attention.
Keeping a behaviour count
Another way of assessing a child’s behaviour change is by keeping account of repetition of their behaviour. For example, if a student is showing tantrums in only one class or is it the same in other classes as well. It will help to understand how severe the behaviour is and what attention is required.
What is positive behaviour support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a proactive approach designed to improve student behaviour and create a positive learning environment. It focuses on teaching and reinforcing desirable behaviours rather than just reacting to misbehaviour.
Also Read: 6 ways to keep students and teachers motivated and happy as they get back to schools
Implementing PBS (Positive behaviour support) in your classroom
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can enhance classroom management and create a positive learning environment. Implementing PBS involves a structured approach to promote and reinforce desirable behaviours.
5 steps to implement PBS:
- Set clear expectations: Clearly define and communicate behavioural expectations to eliminate uncertainty and provide targets for students.
- Model positive behaviours: Educators should demonstrate the expected behaviours, showing students what these behaviours look and feel like. PBS is effective for both students and staff.
- Maintain consistency: Apply rules and procedures consistently to help students understand what to expect and ensure reliable follow-through.
- Acknowledge efforts: Recognize and positively reinforce students’ attempts to meet behavioural expectations, encouraging continued progress.
- Evaluate strategies: Regularly assess the effectiveness of each PBS strategy to ensure it is achieving the desired outcomes and make adjustments as needed.
Preventing issues related to behaviour: 8 classroom management strategies
1. Positive reinforcement
The best way to make changes in student behaviour is by motivating and praising them. Appreciate and encourage their positive behaviour by rewarding them with monetary or non-monetary gestures. Include them in making class rules and provide the space where they can reflect on their behaviour.
2. Frequent stimulation
Frequent stimulation is a technique that can help a teacher during the learning process. It includes informal interaction with students and adding activities between the topics to make a fun filled environment.
Also, teachers can make classroom activities exciting by introducing multiple innovative aids such as teaching/learning materials, demo models, and Information Communication Technology tools if available and by focusing on more activity-based learning. It will surely prevent the students from getting bored and improve his/her concentration and boost their concept retention ability.
3. Go with hybrid mode initially
Shifting back from online to offline can be challenging for students as they become used to it. Instead of switching back to offline totally, keep it mixed initially. Try to use both online/offline content while teaching any concept and show them some videos online to get a better understanding of the concepts. It will help engage students more effectively.
4. Offer shorts breaks while teaching
Staying at home has made lots of learners suffer from issues like losing interest and not being able to sit in one place for a long time. It has impacted their patience levels. Giving students short breaks between classes, providing space to move around, and changing sitting arrangements can help students regain their interest in the classroom and make them more attentive.
5. Flexible grading
Grading the students based on his/her academic performance can lead them to anxiety or stress, especially for the students who are already struggling with academics. They may feel demotivated and lose their self-confidence.
Schools can opt for flexible grading by including other skills as well. It will help maintain a balance among the students at different learning levels. It not only tests students’ subject knowledge but also allows them to demonstrate soft skills such as creative and critical thinking, communication and collaboration. It will help them explore their abilities and push them to improve holistically.
Making some small changes in dealing with students can infuse positivity into the classroom. School and teachers’ behaviour towards them can bring changes in students’ behaviour by making them feel motivated and confident.
6. Minimize stationary time:
Avoid requiring students to remain seated for long periods. Incorporate physical activity breaks to keep students engaged and focused.
7. Refrain from public reprimands:
Address behaviour issues privately rather than publicly to avoid embarrassment and maintain respect.
Public reprimands can lead to feelings of shame and defensiveness in students, which may exacerbate behavioural issues rather than resolve them. Instead, addressing behavioural concerns in a private, respectful manner fosters a supportive environment where students feel safe to discuss and correct their behaviour. This approach maintains the student’s dignity and helps build a trusting relationship between the teacher and the student, making it more likely for the student to respond positively to corrective feedback.
8. Communicate with parents:
Regularly share both successes and concerns with parents to build a supportive network around each student, which positively impacts behaviour.
Effective communication with parents is crucial for creating a comprehensive support system for students. Regularly updating parents on their child’s progress, both academic and behavioural, helps them stay informed and involved in their child’s education. Sharing successes can boost student morale and encourage continued effort, while discussing concerns allows parents to collaborate with teachers in addressing issues and implementing strategies for improvement. This partnership between home and school supports the student’s overall development and contributes to more consistent and positive behavioural outcomes.
Top 5 reasons to track student behaviour
- Enhance academic performance: Monitoring student behaviour helps identify patterns that may affect their learning, allowing for timely interventions to improve academic outcomes.
- Ensure safety: By keeping track of behaviour, schools can detect early signs of bullying or other safety concerns, ensuring a secure environment for all students.
- Support emotional well-being: Understanding behaviour changes can highlight emotional or mental health issues, enabling schools to provide necessary support and resources.
- Promote positive behaviour: Tracking behaviour helps reinforce good conduct through recognition and rewards, fostering a positive and productive school culture.
- Inform parental involvement: Regular updates on student behaviour allow parents to stay informed and collaborate with teachers to support their child’s development effectively.
Conclusion
Maintaining a positive and productive learning environment rests heavily on understanding and addressing student behaviour. By actively observing and interpreting individual actions, educators can unlock the potential within each child.
Bonus Tip: Remember, celebrate positive behaviour! Acknowledging and praising desired actions reinforces positive choices and strengthens the teacher-student bond.
FAQs
1. How do you assess behaviour in the classroom?
To assess behaviour in the classroom, teachers observe and record students’ actions and interactions during various activities. They use tools such as behaviour checklists, anecdotal records, and rating scales to evaluate and track behavioural patterns.
If you are a school leader looking to improve teaching methods and student learning with new technology, Varthana can support you. We offer fast loan approvals, usually within 5 to 7 business days after receiving the necessary documents. Our loans come with flexible options for collateral and repayment plans to match your financial situation.
2. What are some behaviour management strategies in the classroom?
Effective behaviour management strategies include setting clear expectations, providing consistent feedback, using positive reinforcement, and addressing issues promptly. Teachers can also build strong relationships with students and create a supportive learning environment.
3. How to control misbehaviour in the classroom?
Address misbehaviour promptly with appropriate consequences and reinforce positive behaviour through rewards and praise. Establishing a respectful and structured environment also helps prevent misbehaviour.
4. What are the methods of assessing behaviour?
Behaviour can be assessed through direct observation, self-reports, and teacher or parent surveys. Tools like behaviour rating scales and checklists also help in systematically measuring and analyzing behaviour.
5.Why is there a need to assess student behaviour?
Assessing behaviour helps identify underlying issues, guides effective interventions, and promotes a positive learning environment. It ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
6. How do we measure classroom behaviour?
Classroom behaviour is measured using observation records, behaviour checklists, and rating scales. Teachers track incidents, note frequency and severity, and assess changes over time to gauge overall classroom behaviour.
Social