4 ways to tackle a rise in disrespectful behaviour in classrooms
In today’s classrooms, tales of disrespectful behavior are becoming increasingly common. From talking loudly to drown out another student to fooling around mid-lesson and mocking a classmate’s incorrect answer, incivility is on the rise. A recent study from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., has found a significant increase in classroom incivility since the pandemic began. This trend is concerning for educators and experts focused on Canadian youth, who believe that addressing this issue is crucial for student development.
Lead author of the study, Natalie Spadafora, a postdoctoral researcher at Brock University, noted that more students now lack self-regulation skills compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruptions caused by the pandemic, such as virtual schooling and changes in classroom routines, rules, and expectations, have contributed to this increase in uncivil behavior among students.
One key finding of the study is that individual instances of classroom incivility, no matter how small they may seem, can have a detrimental cumulative effect on the learning environment. Spadafora emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing these behaviors, even if they do not initially appear to be significant.
Dr. Michael Cheng, a child psychiatrist at CHEO in Ottawa, highlights the importance of face-to-face interaction for developing social skills and empathy in children. He points out that spending excessive time in front of screens can hinder this development and suggests that children need more opportunities for in-person social interactions and physical activities.
Tasha Ausman, a math and science teacher in Gatineau, Quebec, has observed a small minority of students engaging in extreme uncivil behavior, which she attributes to a lack of understanding of classroom norms and boundaries. She stresses the need for clear expectations, well-enforced boundaries, and collaboration between home and school to foster more civil behavior among students.
Christina Marchitello, an English teacher in Montreal, echoes the need for collaboration between parents, educators, and other professionals to address the rise in classroom incivility. She believes that setting clear consequences for misbehavior is essential in maintaining a respectful learning environment.
Overall, addressing classroom incivility is crucial for the well-being and development of students. If left unchecked, this behavior could contribute to societal meanness, increased stress and anxiety, and worsened mental health. However, there is hope for change, as the brain is adaptable and capable of learning new behaviors. By prioritizing civility in education, we can cultivate a generation of respectful and empathetic individuals who will contribute positively to society.
