Introduction
Disruptive behavior is a significant threat to the classroom. This is due to the fact that it can significantly worsen the learning process, thereby reducing the results and outcomes of this activity. Moreover, it contributes to the general deterioration of students’ behavior and attitudes if not resolved effectively and in a timely manner. This fact makes it necessary to find preventive measures that will help education providers reduce the possibility of repetition of past harmful and undesirable behaviors.
Arranging the Environment
The first preventive measure that can contribute to changing behavior in the classroom is arranging the environment. Research stated that “a well-organized classroom permits more positive interactions between teachers and children, reducing the likelihood that challenging behaviors will occur” (p. 9). Thus, the implementation of this initiative can positively affect students with deviant behavior and those who are at risk. Moreover, students who do not have these deviations can also benefit from such measures.
First, it is critically important to evaluate the existing classroom. In this way, teachers get the most complete idea of what problems exist at the moment and what initiatives can be most effective. The next step is to consider various information that provides the most productive preventive approaches. This may include the study of evidence-based practices and an in-depth study of the psychological development of children of a certain age and aspects that require extraordinary influence. After acquiring this knowledge, education providers can proceed to the direct implementation of measures. Hence, when changing the environment, it is essential to pay attention to the arrangement of the classroom to separate the study area, provide access to educational sources, and delineate traffic patterns (Cuardino & Fullerton, 2010). The last step is the teacher’s reflection on his own actions and how they can affect the occurrence or limitation of deviant behavior.
Changing the Schedule or Routine
Changing the routine in the classroom can be effective in preventing the appearance of disruptive behavior. It is stated that “students who know how they should act in the classroom can be more successful because they can learn and achieve more” (“Importance of classroom routines and procedures,” 2022, para. 3). That is why teachers should carefully consider this aspect and pay great attention to observing students. To create the most comfortable and favorable schedule in the classroom, it is possible to introduce various visual aspects, such as timers and activity routines.
For children, these components will be the most clear and easy to understand. For example, a teacher can set a specific time frame for performing educational and recreational activities. This is valuable, as it will contribute to maintaining a balance between work and leisure, which is built in accordance with the degree of the attention span of the age group of students. This will assist in reducing stress and discomfort levels, thereby limiting disruptive behavior and its repetition. Moreover, the introduction of certain activity routines will encourage teamwork, which is also necessary to limit negative relationships between children.
Offering Choices
The last but no less important aspect is giving students a choice. This is valuable because “choices build responsibility and commitment, communicate the teacher’s respect for students’ needs and preferences, and can encourage students to perform a particular behavior” (“Offering choices to students,” n.d., para. 1). Therefore, teachers can provide students with a choice regarding activities that they can perform during rest or work. It is worth noting that a clear and understandable description of opportunities for students is of critical importance. Also, the teacher should select only the right choices that cannot lead to undesirable behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the environment is of critical importance for the prevention of disruptive behavior and its repetition among students. Among the most effective are providing a choice, changing the environment, and changing the schedule or routine. They provide an opportunity to thoroughly study students, gain an understanding of their characteristics and needs, and build the most productive and effective process of acquiring knowledge.
References
Cuardino, C. A. & Fullerton, E. (2010). Changing behaviors by changing the classroom environment. Teaching exceptional children, 42, 7-13. Web.
Importance of classroom routines and procedures. (2022). Success by design. Web.
Offering choices to students. (n.d.). Education world. Web.