Reducing disruptive behaviours and improving learning climates with class-wide positive behaviour support in middle schools

Abstract

Disruptive behaviours in classrooms pose a significant challenge for learning in schools and are, at the same time, a risk factor for students’ academic achievement and a major source for work-related stress among teachers. Earlier research suggests that clarifying the classroom rules and behavioural expectations, monitoring students’ adherence to them and using behaviour-specific praise are simple and effective practices to reduce disruptive behaviour. Most of the interventions have been developed for elementary schools, although behaviour problems tend to be more common in middle schools. This two-month pilot study using a pre–post design evaluated the effects of a class-wide intervention on learning climate and disruptive behaviour (evaluated by students and teachers); on teacher-experienced stress; and on the time needed to maintain the positive learning climate in middle school. The classes were nominated for the intervention by their teachers on the basis of poor learning climates. The intervention was based on clear behavioural expectations for the students, positive behaviour support and, if needed, rapid actions in response to high rates of disruptive behaviour. The intervention was carried out by teachers, supported by monthly counselling meetings. The results indicated a large reduction in disruptive behaviour, in the time needed to maintain positive learning climate and in strain experienced by teachers while teaching the classes. The intervention was highly accepted by teachers, principals and (although to lesser degree) students. Although the lack of a control group in the design limits conclusions regarding the amount of change attributable to the intervention, the results suggest that an easily applicable and trainable intervention, which requires very little external support, may produce significant improvements in learning climates in middle schools.

Keywords:

• universal prevention
• consultation
• disruptive behaviours
• middle school
• class-wide intervention

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Juho Honkasilta, for assistance in data collection and organisation, and to Pirjo Savolainen, for practical arrangements with the schools. We owe our gratitude to the principals, teachers and students for participating in the study.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. This study was supported by Finnish National Board of Education [grant number 219/509/2009].