Misbehaving students are considered deviants – those who don’t follow norms expected of them. Among them are those who violate a school’s prescribed rules and regulations – comes late, doesn’t wear proper uniform, refuses to wear an ID. Or a student has behaviors that go against norms, such as making noise which disrupts the class. Usually misbehaving students write on tables, chairs or walls. Some do naughty things to their classmates, fond of teasing that could lead to quarrels, don’t listen in class, or are talkative.
Sometimes their teachers and their classmates can’t understand them, they misbehave to seek attention. They don’t study, so they receive failing grades.
These students aren’t really bad. They’re only acting out their frustrations, disappointments, discouragements, problems and even fears which could be traced to their homes and their parents. In short, they have emotional problems. Misbehaving becomes an outlet for them to forget their problems. They need someone who could understand, love, accept, and care for them.
Dealing with misbehaving students isn’t easy. It needs patience and consideration. One must be patient and understanding with them and know their family background. Parents of these students may be separated, abroad, single, or they have only lolas and yayas as guardians. They lack love, care and attention from their parents, so they seek these from their teachers.
Teachers must be wise enough to know that there are reasons for students’ misbehavior. They have to make an effort to find out why they misbehave and ask what their problems may be. They can help by giving attention to these students, praising them, giving them responsibilities. They should never scold them in front of their classmates, put them down, or show favoritism. They should find time to counsel or have a heart to heart talk with them and help them all the way.
Teachers must also talk to their parents and advise them to communicate with their children. Thus they could satisfy their emotional, material or psychological needs. They should be good models to them and be consistent in everything. It’s also important that they coordinate with the school regarding their children’s behavior.
By: MS. IRMA G. DELA CRUZ | Teacher I | Lamao National High School Lamao, Limay, Bataan
