1. Root Causes of Misbehavior

2. Most student misbehaviors occur for a reason. One of our most important jobs is to figure out the reason. There is a method to their madness. Determine the goals of the misbehavior. What are some general reasons for misbehavior: –Attention –Power –Revenge –Avoid failure

3. Goal 1: Attention Students misbehave in order to get the teacher to pay attention to them. Student may not see this as misbehavior. Usually not a serious problem--or at least the type of misbehavior is not of a serious nature. However, behavior is disruptive to class. Typical feeling of the teacher is annoyance.

4. Goal 2: Power Student tries to gain control of the class. They are trying to be in charge and refuse to accept the directions of the teacher. More serious in nature. Shows up as refusal to follow rules or initially may show up as “testing the rules.” Must be dealt with by the teacher in a firm manner. Only one person can be in charge. Typical feeling of the teacher is: threatened.

5. Goal 3: Revenge Student misbehaves as a reaction to a situation or action of the teacher. Often follows punishment. Often a reaction to “save face” with peers. Very serious and cannot be tolerated! Typical feeling of the teacher: hurt feelings Avoid this behavior by: handling all discipline matters privately. If possible, get the student to admit they were wrong. Never lose your temper!

6. Goal 4: Avoiding Failure Rather than attempt to play basketball, student will misbehave in class, pretend they don’t care, or act like a clown. May appear to be wanting attention or even rebellious, but that is not the goal. These students have given up on themselves because, all too often, previous teachers have given up on them. Exhibit “class clown” tendencies or go the opposite to withdrawal and sullen attitudes. Typical feeling of the teacher: frustration Patience is the key. Insist that they will succeed in some way in your class. Lots of encouragement is needed.

7. Weight what a student “won” and “lost” from behavioral management situations. Sometimes, misbehavior is worth the consequence. For some, getting in trouble is better than being ignored. –Jenny story from MS Student: Teacher: