Causes of Challenging Behavior in Primary Schools: The Perspectives of Students in Phoenix, South Africa

Abstract

Students’ challenging behavior has become a serious problem internationally. In South Africa, there are reports highlighting that even primary schools experience serious forms of challenging behavior by students. This article emanates from a case study that utilized the social cognitive theory to understand how primary schools address this phenomenon. To get students’ perspectives of what causes them to exhibit challenging behavior, a purposive sample of nine students ( N = 9) from three primary schools was identified. Data were generated through face-to-face and focus group interviews. Findings show that there are more school than home factors impacting primary school students’ lives and influencing behavior. The article concludes that primary school teachers need to understand the causative factors of challenging behaviors and consider changing school cultures as a possible solution to school improvement efforts. Further research should include a larger sample of schools and multicultural students to shed more light on this phenomenon.

South African Teachers’ Perspectives of What Causes Students to Exhibit Challenging Behavior in Primary Schools

“…This research revealed a variety of causes of student challenging behavior. Contrary to the student’s perspectives which revealed that more school factors than home factors caused them to exhibit challenging behavior in school (Rubbi Nunan & Ntombela, 2018), the teacher’s perspectives reveal that there are more home and social factors than school factors which cause students to exhibit challenging behavior in school. This article highlights how negative family dynamics, unfulfilled needs, exposure to social ills, and a lack of support influence student behaviors and make them vulnerable.…”

“…A study by Rubbi Nunan and Ntombela (2018) on primary school students’ perspectives of what causes them to exhibit challenging behavior in school revealed that more school factors than home factors influenced their behaviors, and that teachers need to understand the causative factors of student behaviors. Following their study, this research seeks to probe and accentuate primary school teachers’ perspectives of what causes students to exhibit challenging behavior in school to provide an outlook for understanding students first, before addressing their behavior in schools, thus the aim of this article.…”

Students’ Challenging Behavior in Phoenix Primary Schools, South Africa: Impact on Teachers

“…It raises concerns about the social dynamics under which they develop within and outside the school system, what behaviors are they exposed to at home, in their communities and schools, and how do these behaviors shape their perceptions of what is acceptable and non-acceptable behavior? Rubbi Nunan and Ntombela (2018) also question the prevailing culture in some schools where students feel oppressed, undervalued, and unaccepted. Such feelings could promote displays of challenging behavior as students seek attention and acceptance.…”

“…Students’ challenging behavior has been a consistent problem over time and in different countries (Crawshaw, 2015), reportedly disrupting the teaching and learning process in schools (Kuronja et al, 2019; Rubbi Nunan & Ntombela, 2018). In South African primary schools, challenging behavior has escalated to such an extent that it is becoming very difficult for teachers to perform their daily duties.…”

“…Rubbi Nunan and Ntombela (2018) highlight some of the causes of students’ challenging behavior in primary schools, including attention seeking, power struggles, socio-economic factors as well as negative school cultures. These are important to keep in mind as we explore how challenging behavior impacts on teachers and teaching and learning.…”