Estimated time required to complete module: 20 h
Tips for effective classroom management 5
5. Dealing with troublemakers
No matter how great your plan or classroom management techniques, there will always be learners who want to disrupt or break the rules. The secret is not to lose your temper but to discipline with dignity.
Remember that all behaviour, appropriate and inappropriate, has a cause and underlying purpose. Some learners misbehave in an attempt to gain attention; others may feel defeated if they do as they are told because they seek to defy authority, break rules, or bully others. Learners who lack self-confidence and expect to fail may play and talk to others when they should be studying. Some learners ‘find their place’ by being insufferable. Failure has made them give up. Unfortunately, they may find personal satisfaction in being mean, vicious, and violent.
In most cases, do not reprimand the learner in front of the class. This builds their reputation. Furthermore, the learner will know they have ‘pushed your buttons’. Something simple, such as a move to the front of the class, may be all that is needed to provide the attention they seek.
Do not carry a grudge. An altercation with one or more learners should be resolved and then forgiven. Student teachers must remember they are the adults. Try to regain their trust and deal with them as normal members of the class.
Sending troublemakers to the grade head or principal is a short-term solution and is unlikely to solve the problem.
The following activity will most definitely assist you in gaining knowledge and perspective on why learners may behave in a certain way and how to deal with the behaviour. Keep in mind that, in some cases, learners may have to be referred to professionals for counselling. In such instances, discuss the learners with a senior member of staff to find out what the school protocol is regarding professional intervention.