Dealing with students who won\'t follow the rules

 

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Dealing with a student who won't follow the rules. How can you effectively manage classroom behavior?
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Dealing with a student who won't follow the rules. How can you effectively manage classroom behavior?
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Understanding Causes
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Setting Expectations
3
Positive Reinforcement
4
Consequences and Follow-Through
5
Communication with Caregivers
6
Restorative Practices
7
Here’s what else to consider:

When a student consistently breaks the rules, consider involving them in setting classroom expectations and consequences. This inclusion can increase their sense of ownership and responsibility, potentially reducing rule-breaking behavior. Moreover, engaging the student in restorative practices can help them understand the effects of their actions on others and encourage them to make amends, fostering a more cooperative and respectful classroom atmosphere.

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  Monica Otieno

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  Principal| English Teacher| Director at Prime Link Trainers LTD| Counselor & Mentor at GreenLife
   

  SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS ●I strongly feel that setting rules and boundaries for students to know what is expected of them is key and necessary. Let students participate in setting rules ,in this way they will be held accountable where they have gone wrong. ●It's important to be respectful, stay calm and listen to the student.Avoid drawing conclusions before you listen to the student. Acknowledge feelings and identify what and why the student is inhibiting such behavior.

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  Selma Zein

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  LCMHCA Forensic & Clinical Psychologist; Author
   

  I believe it's important to get curious. My main thing with behavior is to get curious and not get angry. Why are we behaving this way? What's acceptable behavior? How would you like to be treated and see others behave? - Group them together to create their own "acceptable behaviors," and let's follow our own rules!

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Understanding Causes
When a student consistently breaks the rules, it's crucial to look beyond the behavior and understand the underlying reasons. This student may be dealing with personal issues, struggling with the material, seeking attention, or not fully understanding the classroom expectations. By taking the time to listen and observe, you can identify potential triggers and address them directly. Establishing a rapport with the student can also reveal insights into their actions, allowing you to tailor your approach to their specific needs and circumstances.

Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD,FRSB,FRSM,FSX,EIC
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When starting a private conversation with a student who will not follow expectations, it is good to ask them  how they are doing. They are expecting to be told off and this can often disarm all the bluster they have prepared and help rewrite the narrative. By explaining that you are concerned about their behavior and showing care will help to defuse a potentially volatile situation. Will this get them back on track and following the rules straight away? Probably not. However, it is a positive interaction that comes from a place of care that is 1 step in the right direction. Over time, if you keep building the relationship, results will come. Every adult makes the choice to either escalate and exacerbate, or deescalate the situation.

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I don't work in a classroom; however, I do work with children in foster care. What many children seek is structure, boundaries, and discipline. Unfortunately, children seek this out in the classroom setting and it becomes an issue for children who have it at home and are in class to learn and it shouldn't be the role of the teacher to provide ALL of that to the child, it must be in the home primarily, and of course you'll have it at school, in clubs, team sports, a religious setting, etc. The difficulty our society faces is broken homes where children don't have the aforementioned items in their lives, so the answer I have, is help children find structured environments where there is more accountability, boundaries and discipline

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When a student consistently breaks the rules, consider involving them in setting classroom expectations and consequences. This inclusion can increase their sense of ownership and responsibility, potentially reducing rule-breaking behavior. Moreover, engaging the student in restorative practices can help them understand the effects of their actions on others and encourage them to make amends, fostering a more cooperative and respectful classroom atmosphere.

 

 

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Setting Expectations
Clear communication of classroom rules and expectations is fundamental in preventing and managing unruly behavior. Ensure that all students are aware of what is expected of them and the consequences of non-compliance. Consistency is key; apply rules fairly and uniformly to all students. When expectations are transparent and consistently enforced, students are more likely to respect the boundaries you set and understand the importance of following them.

Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD,FRSB,FRSM,FSX,EIC
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Robert Harris
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Professor in Immunotherapy within Neuroinflammation l Dean of Doctoral Education l Empowering professional leadership

One of the best ways to set 'rules' or a 'code of conduct' (the term I prefer) is to do this as a group exercise. This means that rather than receiving a list of rules they have to follow, the students get to create a code of conduct themselves together with the teacher, which empowers their feeling of responsibility. Why would you break a code you yourself have designed?

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Monica Otieno
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Principal| English Teacher| Director at Prime Link Trainers LTD| Counselor & Mentor at GreenLife

SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
●I strongly feel that setting  rules and boundaries for students to know what is expected of them is key and necessary. Let students participate in setting rules ,in this way they will be held accountable where they have gone wrong.
●It's important to be respectful, stay calm and listen to the student.Avoid drawing conclusions before you listen to the student. Acknowledge feelings and identify what and why the student is inhibiting such behavior. 

…see more

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Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in encouraging rule-following behavior. Recognize and reward students who adhere to the rules to motivate others. This could be through verbal praise, a points system, or small privileges. By focusing on and reinforcing positive behaviors, you create an environment where students are incentivized to follow the rules, rather than just fearing the consequences of breaking them.

Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD,FRSB,FRSM,FSX,EIC
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Brett Eaton
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Principal Geoscientist at BGC Engineering Inc.

Appropriate positive reenforcement is really all about timing. It needs to be linked to a real “positive” or it will do damage to the student - teacher relationship. It also keeps the instructor focused on positive behaviour and action rather than negative. This change in focus will also lessen the disruptive nature of the same kind of behaviour from the student. It also can lessen the benefit of acting out 

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Sandra Deacon replied: Completely agree…oftentimes adults get wrapped up in fixing the inappropriate behaviors and forget that teaching appropriate and prosocial behaviors is equally, if not more, helpful.
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Sandra Deacon
Upper Elementary Teacher at Oak Farm Montessori School

Completely agree…oftentimes adults get wrapped up in fixing the inappropriate behaviors and forget that teaching appropriate and prosocial behaviors is equally, if not more, helpful.

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Sean Licata, Ed.D
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Deputy Head of School | K-12 Education Leader | School Community Builder | Nurturing Leaders of Tomorrow

Check-in-Check-out (CICO) is a tool for struggling students. A point person (administration, teachers, secretary, anyone!) meets each morning with the student and sets goals centered on targeted behaviors.  Throughout the day each teacher gives them a score from 1-3 on each targeted behavior.  Zeros are not allowed. These points are used to reach their goal. 

At the end of the day, the student brings the CICO sheet back to their adult and debriefs the day. If the students meet their goal, they get something small (stickers, a fancy pencil, a note of praise, etc.). When the student hits their goal for five consecutive days, a large reward is given. Extra recess is a huge hit! 

Goal reached or not, you debrief the day with low stakes.

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Consequences and Follow-Through
When rules are broken, it's important to have a clear plan for consequences and to follow through with them. These should be appropriate to the infraction and aim to correct the behavior rather than simply punish the student. Consequences might include loss of privileges, additional work, or time away from the group. Whatever the consequence, it should be applied consistently and paired with a discussion about why the behavior was inappropriate and what the student can do differently in the future.

Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD,FRSB,FRSM,FSX,EIC
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Sean Licata, Ed.D
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Deputy Head of School | K-12 Education Leader | School Community Builder | Nurturing Leaders of Tomorrow

Consequence and follow-through from all teachers help create higher expectations.  Is the homeroom teacher or the principal the only "bad guy" when something happens? If so, other teachers are giving away their power and will continue to struggle with students.  Additionally, when a consequence is mentioned, it should be reasonable given the infraction.  If 50 percent of a class has lunch detention, that is a teacher issue, not a student issue.  

Creating guidance groups where students can discuss their behavior and the consequences promotes open dialogue. When a consequence is given, the teacher must discuss the situation with the students and give them a fresh start.

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Ana Paula Educadora Transformando Conhecimento em Sonhos e Inovação
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Orientadora Educacional/Psicopedagoga extensão em Neuropsicologia/Coordenadora Pedagógica/ Gestão Educacional/Formação de Professores/Produtora de Conteúdos/Colunista EAMagazine/Palestrante

As consequências precisam ser analisadas conforme o regimento da escola, neste caso conversar com a família é fundamental para alinhar a parceria família-escola.

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Communication with Caregivers
Engaging with a student's caregivers is another important aspect of managing classroom behavior. Inform them of your concerns and the steps you're taking to address the behavior. Their support can be invaluable in reinforcing classroom rules at home and providing insights into any external factors that may be influencing the student's behavior. Open communication with caregivers creates a partnership that can lead to more effective solutions.

Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD,FRSB,FRSM,FSX,EIC
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Yhamile Narváez Cárdenas
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Maestra de Literatura y Redacción Académica

- Informar oportunamente a padres y cuidadores sobre las novedades con los estudiantes. 
- En el entorno institucional conviene que una persona ajena a la situación disruptiva presencie la entrevista como un testigo imparcial. 
- Es importante limitar los días y horas en los que los maestros respondan los requerimientos de los padres y cuidadores.
-Procesos de comunicación respetuosa entre pares y con otros miembros de la comunidad educativa. 
-Debe establecerse protocolos como justificar faltas o reportar ausencias por enfermedad o calamidad doméstica, 
- Es preferible que los maestros no se encuentren asociados a los chats de padres y estudiantes, sino que sean abordados específicamente por padres que necesiten comunicarse con ellos.

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Abdul Malik
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Head Teacher at Syed Kutub Jalal Model High School at Head Teacher at Syed Kutub Jalal Model High School

I would like to inform my authority. I hope they are necessary step to overcome the situation. It is very important to my end.

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Restorative Practices
Restorative practices involve the student in the process of making amends and restoring relationships damaged by their rule-breaking. This approach focuses on accountability and the impact of their actions on others, encouraging empathy and self-reflection. By involving the student in discussions about how their behavior affects the classroom community, you empower them to take responsibility and work towards positive change.

Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD,FRSB,FRSM,FSX,EIC
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Dwight Maxwell
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fCMgr, Author, Poet, English Lecturer; Journalist,

I love using this practice in my classroom because it emphasises the point of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” Students begin to grasp that their behaviours have far reaching consequences. Restorative practice is an excellent way to teach accountability to students who deviate from classroom and school wide expectations. It also stresses the importance of forgiving others and moving forwards rather than dwelling on past mistakes. Restorative practice teaches students that it's okay to make mistakes but also emphasises the importance of taking ownership for bad behaviour, apologising for errors and wiping the slate clean and starting over or continuing from where they left off. These are intrinsic values that will last them a life time.

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Gemechu Dengia
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Attended Jimma University

The most important rule is to be consistent in how you deal with your students. Praise and reward good behaviour and refuse to tolerate troublemakers. If your class can see that you're firm in your discipline, they're less likely to challenge your rules.
 

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Ana Paula Educadora Transformando Conhecimento em Sonhos e Inovação
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Orientadora Educacional/Psicopedagoga extensão em Neuropsicologia/Coordenadora Pedagógica/ Gestão Educacional/Formação de Professores/Produtora de Conteúdos/Colunista EAMagazine/Palestrante

Propor ao aluno um "game comportamental" criar um desafio comportamental onde tenha de refletir sobre seu comportamento atual e as mudanças necessárias. Ao elaborar a trilha de aprendizagem comportamental é interessante contar com o apoio de professores, orientadores e coordenadores.

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Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Shengwen Calvin Li, PhD,FRSB,FRSM,FSX,EIC
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Prof. Rodolfo Oliveira, CPPS
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Médico especialista em Clínica Médica. Consultor de Qualidade - Saúde - Grupo Marista. Professor de Clínica Médica - Faculdade Evangélica Mackenzie do Paraná.

I primarily teach 5th and 6th-year medical students, and in my experience, educational strategies must be tailored to the audience. By incorporating active learning, students remain more engaged, and I encounter fewer behavioral issues.

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Lauren Skelly Bailey
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Ceramics & sculpture professional

In my experience it’s important to connect with mental health services. When behavior isn’t up to the students normal structure. Often educators feel like they shouldn’t go to mental health but in my experience 9/10 this is a big overlooked issue. 

For example I was a TA at a prestigious art school. A student lived in my building and I got a call she needed help— she was assaulted. When I went to seek help from my dept chair I was discreet but the dept chair — wasn’t as concerned. I felt this girl needed support. I looked into asking school counselor to help. They did reach out, but it’s hard to get someone to go to counseling. The student did go. Later shared through friends she didn’t know who helped but was grateful. 

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Adele Wollbrandt
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Senior Medical Technologist at Lancet Laboratories

Don't give up on the student! 
I had a very disruptive, difficult student. I tried everything but got nowhere. The following year this student came back to class a different person - hardworking, polite - the "perfect" student. I did not understand why but was happy to accept it. 
When he passed his final exam, he told me that he changed from first year to second year because I was the first person in this life that did not give up on him. Part of his bad behavior was him trying to get me to write him off. 
As a teacher, trainer, mentor, we do not always know what situations our students are in, so be fair, consistent and firm and most of all - Don't give up on the student!

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Leena Rao replied: Congratulations! Really heartwarming to hear this.
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Leena Rao
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Congratulations! Really heartwarming to  hear this.

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