6533b7d8fe1ef96bd126ae78

RESEARCH PRODUCT

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

subject

description

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 ...