Students Behavior Problems

Behavior problems can be said to occur when a student exhibits some form of behavior that is not normally expected in a classroom. School lessons for students with behavior problems may require a proper definition of the student’s behavior and comparing it with the expected standard. This can make the task of correcting such behavior simpler. Any behavior change would require an understanding of what is expected from the student, and the best means of reaching the desired goal. Effective teaching strategies can promote academic as well as behavioral successes.

Changing any behavior pattern requires that the teaching environment be structured in such a way that the required social skills for proper behavior are practiced during the process of academic learning. Lack of social skills can be construed as a result of errors in the learning process and therefore need to be taught in the classroom after correctly identifying whether the result is because of a deficit in skills or in performance. A deficit in skills could be because of a lack of knowledge of the correct social behavior; this can be made up by imparting the correct instruction. If the student has the knowledge of the correct behavior, performance may need to be improved by creating situations where the correct response of the student is appreciated and the positive outcome of such behavior is brought home to the student.

School lessons for students with behavior problems are helped by forming groups of up to 5 students, which must include those with behavior problems as well as peers who are known to be socially competent. The teacher must explain to the group why it is meeting and clarify as to the social skills that are expected to be learned. Each student must be given a specific role and behavior that is acceptable must be laid down and monitored. Students must be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and competent peers must guide the students lacking acceptable behavior patterns. Practical steps to handle anger and calm down students has to be practiced by the entire group as peer meditation works much better than the discipline imposed by a teacher or minder.

Students with behavior differences must be encouraged to discuss their problems within the group and work out strategies to get over them. This will lead to a better understanding of why the student faces that particular situation and why the response to it is causing the problem with behavior. Problem solving skills are best taught to students by using a step by step approach that evaluates each progression and its effect on the problem. It is only after the group has finally worked out the best solution that any implementation should be thought of.