Teachers’ perceptions and efficacy to deal with adolescent students’ behaviour disorder in schools of low-income area of Karachi

Abstract

This qualitative study is to investigate the teachers’ perception and efficacy to deal with adolescent students’ behaviour disorder in schools of low-income areas of Karachi. It is observe that when children enter the age of 12 or 13 some emotional, hormonal and physical changes occur in them. Which in turn results in the behavioural changes in them. This study aim to investigate that whether the teachers of these age group students in low-income areas of Karachi have proper awareness of the causes and reasons of the behavioural disorders of these students and up to what extent they are capable of dealing with such students. For the purpose of study, interviews of three teacher from three different schools situated in various parts of Karachi were conducted. The study revealed that the teachers of low-income areas of Karachi are well aware of the behaviour problems of adolescent students and they are quite capable of dealing students with major behaviour problems. It is evident that physical and psychological changes occur with the start of the adolescent. Due to these changes students’ thought process are changed. They want their self-respect; boys become more confident while girls become diffident and reserved. If not dealt properly they may become aggressive, disobeying, lack of seriousness in their studies etc. These behaviour problems can disturb the classroom environment. Proper counseling, motivation, negative reinforcement, appreciation, proper care, appropriate punishments if necessary, involving them in-group activities, making them responsible and adopting friendly behaviour are some strategies suggested by the respondents to deal with such students.