Handling challenging behavior problems in the classroom

I think that as teachers, one of the most common things that we will come across in our career is dealing with challenging students. In case the behavioral problems that we are required to handle frustrate us, it would do a lot of good to take some comfort in knowing that other teachers around the globe face the same challenges. The need to handle behavior issues is one of the additional packages that are tied to the teaching profession.

It is of importance to us to note that even the most experienced teachers have their fair share of managing difficult students. From power disputes and struggles among students to too many talkative students, the list of stubborn behaviors that we will have to deal with until we retire is quite lengthy. However, with a framework of how we can tackle all these issues, it is possible for us to have the upper hand over our students and hence assist ourselves in avoiding frustrations in our job.

I will mention some of the best ways possible that a teacher can choose to deal with a difficult student or issues. 

Firstly be proactive with discipline problems. Watch your students as they come into class and look for signs of discord. For example, if you notice a heated discussion before class starts, deal with it then. Give the students a few moments to work things out before you start your lesson. Separate them if necessary and try to gain agreement that during your class period at least, they will drop the issue.

Secondly, you must try to stay firm but fair. In other words, don't elevate disruptions above their current significance. For example, if two students keep talking in class, don't disrupt your lesson to yell at them. Instead, simply say the students' names and issue a verbal warning. You can also try asking one of them a question to bring their focus back to the lesson.If a student becomes verbally confrontational, remain calm and remove them from the situation as quickly as possible. Do not get into yelling matches with your students. 

Thirdly, try to: 

• Avoid communications that imply a superior/inferior relationship.
• Respect the student’s freedom of choice and self-direction.
• Attitude change attempts are gentle, subtle and change is up to the student.
• Don’t argue, it tends to evoke resistance.
• Show the consequences of their behavior.
• Help devalue perceived positive aspects of their negative choices.

To conclude, there will always be behavioural problems that we will face in our classroom and that is why we must try hard to focus attention on these problems and solve them. 

Thank you and enjoy the post!