Gut reaction or rational problem-solving? Teachers’ considerations when coping with classroom disruptions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Classroom management and coping with disruptions are a primary source of stress for teachers. However, very little is known about teachers’ considerations when facing daily disruptions in their classes. To bridge this gap, seventy-one K-12 teachers were asked to recall such an incident and describe five alternate responses they considered. Did they respond emotionally or were they able to stay calm and adopt a problem-focused approach? Did they focus on the individual, the group, or both? Did they consider immediate or medium-to-long-term actions? Despite their stress, most teachers were able to adopt a problem-focused approach and refrain from expressing their anger towards disruptive students. They mostly directed their actions towards the interfering student and preferred short-term measures. An algorithm is proposed to illustrate their decision-making process and discuss its benefits for adhering to practical and social considerations.