Original contribution on managing challenging behaviors in classroom

This is an original contribution on how teachers can manage challenging behaviors by leveraging student-teacher relationship.

1. Managing Challenging Behaviors In A Classroom: Building Strong Relationships Yasser Pino American College of Education PES 5091 Capstone Experience for Professional Education Studies August 11, 2024

2. Overview of Challenging Behaviors Classroom behavioral problems can cause stress for both teachers and students, impede course flow, and further challenge learning objectives as well as learning processes. Any form of disruptive behavior in the classroom can divert attention away from classwork and activities and cause distractions. A classroom is a unique environment that includes not only the teacher and students who bring in experiences and challenges from their respective ecological systems, but also the education equipment, literature, and activities that can influence behavior. The interpersonal relationships between teachers and students take on a greater significance in encouraging positive behaviors. According to Parsonson (2012), “building positive relationships with pupils is an important antecedent strategy that can serve to reduce disruptive behavior and enhance on-task behavior and student achievement” (p.22).

3. Why Teacher-Student Relationships Matter 01 02 A strong relationship between teachers and students is the root of effective classroom management. In such an environment, students feel valued and respected, and this increases their chances of exhibiting positive behaviors as they are likely to follow classroom norms and expectations . The benefits of building relationships with students include: Increased Student Engagement Mutual Respect Open and Honest communication students are more engaged with their teachers thus becoming more interested and motivated to succeed. As students respect their teacher, they are more likely to exhibit good behavior. Trust and respect encourages open and honest communication 03

4. How to Build Teacher-Student Relationships Instructors can show their genuine interest and care by learning about their students’ backgrounds, interests, and learning goals. They can actively listen to their students and have dialogues with them to show them that their feelings are valued. Instructors should also involve learners during the decision-making process, for example, by involving students in finding solutions to various behavioral problems. They should also be role models to students by demonstrating expected behaviors at any time. They should show empathy and understanding by acknowledging their feelings and offering support. Teachers have an ethical responsibility to build strong, respectful, and safe relationships with their students. There are several strategies they can use to build such relationships that foster good behaviors and one way is by showing their students genuine interest and care. Strategies

5. Addressing Behavior Challenges Through Relationships Taking the Proactive Approach Building a cohesive and supportive learning environment. Fostering open and honest communication. Offering personalized support to students. Respecting diversity. Strategies A proactive approach to behavior management entails anticipating future problems and cultivating a good school environment in which students feel supported and appreciated. Educators can avoid many behavioral issues by developing good relationships with their students.

6. Collaborative Problem Solving Teachers and students discuss specific behaviors that are challenging. Both parties should offer ideas on how they can address these challenges. They can then brainstorm proposed solutions and simultaneously agree on the plan. Strategies Collaborative problem-solving is an approach where teachers and students work together to discuss behavioral challenges and find effective solutions. The main focus of this approach is to get students' perspectives and insights, foster empathy, and together agree on strategies that can be implemented to improve behavior .

7. Individualized Support Understanding learner's needs, strengths, and challenges. Regularly checking in with students to discuss issues that might affect their behavior. Recognizing and rewarding positive behaviors. Strategies Each learner possesses unique talents, challenges, and learning styles thus offering individualized support entails personalized techniques and interventions tailored to each student's specific needs To solve behavioral problems, teachers can address unique behavioral or academic challenges that a student may be experiencing rather than using general tactics that might not be beneficial for all ( A Proactive Approach to Discipline , n.d . ).

8. Restorative Justice Repair harm caused by poor behaviors and encourage students to take responsibility for their behaviors. Building strong relations between students, teachers, and even the school community creates a supportive environment. Working together with all stakeholders to find solutions to negative behaviors. Strategies Restorative Justice, when it comes to addressing behavioral problems, emphasizes on repairing harm, building community, and restoring relationships rather than just mere punishments. Restorative justice in schools is being utilized to replace traditional punishing procedures with a community-oriented strategy that includes all stakeholders in problem-solving (University of San Diego, 2022).

9. Implementing Systems That Supports Positive Behaviors Introducing tiered systems such as the PBIS framework. Teaching and modeling positive behaviors. Constant collaboration with the student's family. Strategies Teachers can also introduce systems such as behavioral support systems that can help manage students’ behaviors (Kincaid & Romer , 2020).

10. Challenging behaviors can have detrimental effects on both teachers and students. Teachers will devote most of their time to correcting students rather than imparting knowledge to them. A strong relationship between teachers and students will help reduce negative behaviors in classrooms. However, the challenge lies in how teachers can build a strong relationship that fosters good behavior. Some of the suggested strategies on how we can build such relationships include restorative justice, collaborative problem solving, taking a proactive approach, and offering individualized support . Conclusion

11. References A Proactive Approach to Discipline . ( n.d. ). Edutopia . https://www.edutopia.org/article/proactive-approach-discipline/ Kincaid, D., & Romer , N. (2020). Implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. Fostering the Emotional Well-Being of Our Youth , 79–95. https://doi.org/10.1093/med-psych/9780190918873.003.0005 Parsonson , B. (2012). Evidence-based Classroom Behaviour Management Strategies. In Kairaranga (Vol. 13, Issue 1, pp. 16–23). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ976654.pdf University of San Diego. (2022, October 3). 6 Restorative Justice Practices to Implement In Your Classroom [+Real Examples] . University of San Diego - Professional & Continuing Education. https://pce.sandiego.edu/restorative-justice-in-the-classroom/