Navigating The Waters of Challenging Classroom Behavior
Education stands as one of the most diverse industries globally, encompassing students from varied cultural, ethnic backgrounds, races, learning styles, and challenges. Despite our differences in desires and motivations, a universal truth binds us all: the innate need to feel loved, seen, and valued. This fundamental need applies as much to students in the classroom as it does to anyone else.
Throughout my tenure as a former dean of students at a K-8 Title 1 STEM school and as an 8th-grade ELA teacher at a school facing challenges in Monroe, North Carolina, I've navigated my share of behavioral challenges. However, what set my approach apart and resulted in fewer disciplinary referrals was my commitment to seeing beyond a student's actions and understanding the heart behind the behavior. As a father, I've come to understand behavior as a form of communication—a principle that transcends time and cultures. Historically, diverse cultures have used specific behaviors, hand gestures, and sounds to convey messages, warn of dangers, or announce news. These methods of communication highlight the importance of understanding behavior as a means of expression, not just a disciplinary issue.
What is The Student’s Behavior Communicating?
In the classroom, every action, whether it's tears, aggression, or disruption, communicates a need or a state of mind. Recognizing this allows educators to address the root causes of challenging behaviors with empathy and understanding, fostering an environment where every student feels valued and understood. This approach not only minimizes conflicts but also nurtures a positive learning atmosphere conducive to growth and development.
What is the “Why” Behind the Specific Behavior?
Before addressing the symptoms of challenging behavior in students, it's essential to understand the "why" behind their actions. This understanding forms the cornerstone of our "Start with Heart" mission and emphasizes the power of authentic storytelling. By delving into a student's background and acknowledging their unique struggles, pains, or unresolved questions, we can approach discipline in a way that fosters long-term growth rather than offering temporary fixes.
What Can I Teach The Student From Their Actions?
The word "discipline" has its roots in "disciple," implying teaching, empowerment, and mentorship rather than mere control or punishment. Our goal as educators should be to develop restorative practices and strategies that include students in their growth process, recognizing that education is a selfless act. It's about what we can do to challenge and uplift the student at the moment, aligning with the broader expectations and standards set for the classroom.
Do I Know The Story Behind The Student’s Behavior?
Understanding a student's story is crucial; without this knowledge, creating an effective, empowering plan becomes difficult. A student's disruptive behavior might stem from a tumultuous home life, a lack of stable adult relationships, or deep-seated emotional pain. By genuinely engaging with their story, setting goals together becomes a pathway to transformation. This process includes exposing students to new opportunities and affirming their strengths, guiding them towards their aspirations.
Can I Connect The Consequence to the Student’s Aspirations?
Connecting students' behavior to their future goals rather than their current state helps reframe challenges as stepping stones to success. This approach not only addresses immediate classroom issues but also equips students with the resilience and ambition to pursue their dreams, reinforcing the belief that understanding and empathy are key to navigating the waters of challenging classroom behavior.
In my teaching experience, rather than immediately confronting a student's disruptive behavior, I've found success in linking their future aspirations, such as becoming a doctor, with their current actions. This method encourages students to see how their behavior affects their goals, fostering a mindset shift and behavior modification on their own. Effective discipline involves understanding our students' backgrounds, acknowledging their struggles, and committing to meet them where they are with empathy and support—this is the essence of starting with heart.
Have I Cultivated a Relationship with the Student’s Parents or Community?
However, there are instances when, despite our best efforts, challenges persist. In such situations, removing a student from the classroom or isolating them is not conducive to their growth or learning; it lacks restorative value and misses an opportunity for genuine discipline that empowers. Building relationships with students' families and engaging with community stakeholders are crucial steps in supporting a student's development. Our role as educators is not just to instruct but to inspire, empower, and identify gaps in our students' lives that we can fill with understanding, care, and encouragement. Only by truly starting with heart can we hope to make a meaningful difference in our students' journeys.