Teaching Assignment

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Behavior Hindering the Learning Process
3.0 Strategies to deal with Behavioral Problem
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Bibliography

1.0 Introduction
The purpose of this assignment is to discuss a behavior problem that hinders the learning process and how it can be deal with. In this regard, factors underlying such issues from literature review shall be discussed and so shall be the strategies in this regard.

2.0 Behavior hindering the learning process
The main behavioral problem in a class setting was that of disruptive discussion which distracted the concentration of the rest of the students and affected the learning process.

There are a number of elements that can influence the behavior and cause distraction among students because of such a behavior. Five of such elements are contained in Choice Theory1 which suggests five core needs which if are not fulfilled then the behavior of the students is affected. These elements are named as 'needs ' in the theory. These needs are survival and security, sense of belonging and to be loved, to gain power, autonomy and to have fun. The result of not experiencing these needs can result in withdrawal of the student from the learning process, him being experiencing frustration and looking for other ways to meet the needs. Furthermore, the Theory of Status proposed by Rudolph Dreikus2 identified four elements that underlie the negative behavior of the students. These are: attention seeking, power seeking, revenge seeking and feeling of inadequacy.
Discussion in class is a cornerstone of effective learning. A group discussion or a discussion on a topic between teacher and students ensures the effectiveness of the learning process. However, a discussion in class by some students which is not entirely related with the topic and doing it without teacher 's consent or in the middle of the lecture would be a source of hindering the learning process and a cause of attention divert of other students as well. It might be because of losing interest in the topic by losing command over understanding the topic which resulted in feeling of inadequacy (as highlighted in Theory of Status) and thus the disruptive behavior.

3.0 Strategies to deal with Behavioral Problem
The Kounin Model and Mismatch & Disruption Approach are two prominent models of dealing with such issues of behavior.
Under Kounin model, preventive steps are ensured so that the discipline of the class can be maintained. There are six steps suggested under the model. These steps are "ripple effect", "withitness", "overlapping", "effective transition", "group focus" and "satiation".
The Mismatch & Disruption approach gives account of the mismatch between the teacher 's and students ' expectations. These can be on program content, achievements, motivation, learning mode and student 's independence vs teacher 's authority. By shifting away the focus from blaming the students to recognizing the students ' needs such behavior could be prevented. For example, if a student is experiencing feeling of inadequacy due to loss of understanding of the topic then instead of blaming him for the disruptive behavior his need should be identified and fulfilled to avoid such a disruptive behavior in future.
Therefore, for a problem like disruptive discussion, a combination of both Kounine model and Huxley’s Mismatch & Disruption theory can be employed i.e. recognizing the needs of the students that cause the behavior and then taking preventive steps as suggested under Kounine model.

4.0 Conclusion
In this assignment, the behavioral issue of disruptive discussion was discussed. Literature review was undertaken to identify the factors behind such a problem and the relevant strategies in this regard.

5.0 Bibliography
William Glasser (1999): Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom
Jacob Kounin (1970): Discipline and Group Management in Classroom
Rudolph Dreikus (1957): Psychology in the Classroom: A manual for Teachers

Bibliography: William Glasser (1999): Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom  Jacob Kounin (1970): Discipline and Group Management in Classroom  Rudolph Dreikus (1957): Psychology in the Classroom: A manual for Teachers