Curbing students' disruptive behaviours in Jamaican secondary schools

Abstract

In recent years, the media have been reporting an increase in students' disruptive behaviours in secondary schools in Jamaica. These disruptive behaviours are many and varied and are causing serious concerns to all stakeholders in education. Sometimes, teachers show an inability to control students entrusted to their care and, at times, teachers and school administrators contribute to students' disruptions through their own behaviours. Teachers may contribute to students' disruptions by inconsistent rule enforcement, teacher insensitivity, non-compliance with school disciplinary policies, and lack of classroom management skills. School administrators may also contribute to students' disruptions through poor communication and decision-making patterns, poor school-community relationships, and poor curriculum and instructional supervision. Students' disruptive behaviours cannot be totally eliminated in our schools, but since school discipline and safety are linked to students' achievement and security, schools must deal effectively with students' disruptions. Schooling will not be successful unless effective discipline is maintained in the school