Behavior Intervention for Teachers: Avoid Teacher-Student Power Struggles

One of the many challenges that teachers face in the classroom is behavior management. A positive learning environment is essential for all students to be successful, but unfortunately situations do arise when students act out and respond negatively to verbal redirection or being reprimanded for their behavior. A common scenario is as follows: the student is being disruptive and the teacher prompts the student to control his or her behavior in front of everyone. The student responds by saying something disrespectful in a rude tone of voice. The teacher raises his or her voice, giving the student a warning that he or she needs to follow the rules or face a more severe consequence. The student then further makes disrespectful remarks, and the situation escalates to the point of the frustrated teacher having to stop class altogether to write a referral and call an administrator to escort the student from class. In the meantime, the rest of the class is off-task and probably being very entertained by the verbal exchange. Some students might even be laughing and agitating the angry student further. This teacher has fallen into a power struggle with the student and as a result, instructional time has been lost. In the short-term, the student could be satisfied with having to leave the class and the teacher relieved that the student is gone, but in most cases the student will be back. When dealing with a defiant and/or angry student, there are some things a teacher can do to help deescalate the situation and avoid such power struggles. Each situation will be different, so use your judgment as to what is appropriate at the given time. Of course, many situations can be handled by having an open line of communication with parents about problem behaviors.

As difficult as it may be, the teacher should try to remain calm. Becoming visibly angry could only make the student become more defiant. Take a deep breath to think about what you are going to say and respond to a non-compliant student with a professional, calm voice. Being calm may also help the student to calm down. Try to phrase your words positively and in a non-confrontational way. For example, say, "I really need for you to stop talking so that everyone can prepare for the test" sounds much nicer than, "You need to close your mouth or you're not going to pass this test."

If a student is trying to "bait" you into a power struggle, don't bite the worm. If the student only said something that could be ignored, remind the student why his or her comments were inappropriate and then continue class. You can always have a private discussion with the student later to remind him or her of the classroom rules and at that time possibly develop a behavior contract with a predetermined consequence for any future defiant behavior.