Disruptive Behavior
March 1, 2010
The student that I am observing for my project fits the description of disruptive behavior to a t. Off-task talking is the biggest problem that we deal with multiple times a day. It is hard to distinguish when positive reinforcement has been given for negative behavior. As a teacher, I never want to discourage an eager learner. When kids are really excited about a topic and they shout out, a piece of me wants to encourage that joy. Occasionally, I know that that is ok and I feel confident in saying that raising a hand is not always appropriate in the classroom. Especially with difficult disruptive behaviors, I have a hard time knowing when to reprimand and when to let it go for the greater excitement of learning. I suppose that this discernment is something that will come with years of experience.
The lack of social skills portion was very interesting to read. The case in my classroom I know has been taught what is and is not socially acceptable. I think that this child in particular probably is not able to discern on his own. I think he is just not self aware. He has no idea that he is disrupting because he thinks that constant chatter is socially acceptable. I know completely that no teacher previously was sending him the message that talking during silent work time is or ever was acceptable.
