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Teaching Tips

Dealing With Problem Classroom Behavior
by Neerja Sharma

Problem behavior in the classroom is a serious concern for teachers. It arises due to a number of reasons.

Problem students may not be able to concentrate in class as a result of money constraints in the child's family or because of disinterested parents. These students may be too under-confident and may have a very low self-esteem. Moreover, there could be peer pressure where the student's friends expect conformity to the behavior pattern of the group. If the student doesn't do so, he is shunned or ostracized from the group.

Sometimes the student is tired or bored due to ill-planned or uninspiring lesson. Another reason for problem behavior could be that the student takes the teacher for granted. The teacher may be too strict or too lenient and unable to draw a fine line between different kinds of behaviors of students. Also, a big class can cause nightmares to the best of teachers as it is difficult to manage, monitor, or organize easily.

However, problem behavior can be dealt with successfully. Arrive in time for class and be prepared with the lesson plan. Make the objectives of the lesson quite clear. Use more encouraging language rather than coercion or threats. Never lose your temper. Stay patient and calm. Be impartial to all. Make learning fun and interactive so that students are kept too busy to engage in destructive activities. Give students the same respect as you expect from them. Establish a healthy rapport with students. It can go a long way in ensuring fewer behavior problems in the class.

It is also possible to deal with problem behavior by being firm, but not harsh. Change the seat of the problem child. Talk to the student after the class to find out the reason behind his disinterest in the class. Ask for advice from colleagues who have had more experience in classroom teaching. Talk with other students to gain insight to the problem behavior. On the other hand, do not threaten or resort to physical punishment, as this can actually worsen the situation.

Problem behavior may slip into your classroom. Therefore, the best way to handle problem behavior is with tact. Be diplomatic, so that the student gets the message without getting hurt or embarrassed in the class. This way, problem behavior may disappear and it will be a win-win situation for both the teacher and the student.

The author is an ESL teacher, who has taught English for the last six years in a Canadian college based in India. Neerja is also a freelancer writer. She regularly contributes articles to a locally based current affairs magazine. One of her short stories has been published in a New York based publication's anthology titled "Grab Your Tiger".