Alanna Gaylord's Art Education Portfolio

Description:

            Disruptive behavior can be classified as student behavior that interferes or interrupts the educational learning of other students or the normal functions of the classroom or school. Characteristics of disruptive behavior can include monopolizing discussions or taking over the lesson, side conversations, making hostile remarks to instructors or peers, arriving late and leaving early, sleeping, cell phone use, eating in class, phone calls or emails that hamper ability to continue normal work, etc.

 

Analysis:

            The best place to start when developing a positive learning environment is to try to prevent disruptive behavior in the first place. There are a number of steps that teachers can take to prevent and discourage this behavior, but it is also important to remember that it is only partially in the teacher’s control. On the very first day of school, it will be important for the teacher to inform their students of the expected classroom behaviors. It could even be helpful to engage in a conversation with the students to determine what these norms and expectations should be in order to give the students a sense of respect, responsibility, and control in the classroom. Using this method, teachers can then develop a contract for student behavior and ask students to read and sign it in the first week of school. This will inform students that it is their responsibility to act appropriately, attend class, be on time, participate regularly, be prepared, etc. Other preventative measures that the teacher should take can include: demonstrating role model behavior; always engaging with students as individuals; showing students that you are interested in their opinions and what they have to say; creating a safe and interesting learning environment; expressing interest and passion in subject matter; following through on appropriate threats; etc.

If the teacher does encounter disruptive behavior in their classroom, there are a number of things the teacher should keep in mind as well as steps he or she should take in this situation. First, the teacher should know not to take the disruptive behavior personally. Chances are that this student behaves inappropriately in similar educational situations due to his or her own personal problems and history. The teacher should also decide immediately if the situation should be dealt with. If the situation requires immediate response, the teacher should verbally requests that the student stop the behavior while simultaneously avoiding “singling” the student out. If the student needs to be reprimanded, it is important to do it privately to avoid defensiveness or “acting out” in front of peers. If the situation causes more problems or is at all dangerous, it is important for the teacher to know who he or she can contact immediately to diffuse the situation.

 

Reflection:

            While working in a middle school art classroom, I found disruptive students to be quite prominent throughout my classes. Of course, with my students being 11-14 years old and my classroom being the art classroom, I wasn’t too surprised nor worried about it. When students enter the art room they are supposed to feel welcomed and comfortable. Art class is a place for students to stretch and explore, and even have a bit of fun. So there is no question as to why sometimes students become disruptive. It’s important to allow students to have some creative freedom, and maybe that means getting a little rowdy every once in a while. Students tend to be more willing to follow class expectations for behavior when they feel honored and respected. It’s important to have a balance; it’s not worth dwelling on every single move out of line but if an action or attitude goes to far, it’s important to know when to recognize it and take appropriate actions.