Article Review: Behavioral Problems in the classroom

Article Review

Reference:

Tommerdahl, Jodi, and Peggy Semingson. "Behavioral Problems In The Classroom And Underlying Language Difficulties." Journal Of Education And Training Studies 1.2 (2013): 217-223. ERIC. Web. 2 Sept. 2015.

Summary:

“Behavioral Problems in the classroom,” raises awareness of the link between behavior and language issues. Communication is a key tool in any setting where people are seeking to pass along information or understand a lesson. Language impairment often goes unnoticed and untreated by teachers who immediately assume behavior problems are not related to understanding. In some cases children do have the ability to listen but chose not to, and this causes difficulty for those who need attention to get help.

            Teachers often lack information regarding potential language problems. Students who deal with impaired language may struggle with their social relationships and find it difficult to express themselves. Children who are having difficulty understanding instructions become frustrated with their academic performance and the parents or teachers do not seem to notice. Problems are multiplied when children become victimized and bullied by peers who call them ‘weak’ or ‘stupid’ regardless of their intelligence.

            In the article several language problems are explored and explained. Parents and teachers have the opportunity to spot language difficulties when children are young so work can begin to help the student with their learning. If children are not following the basic rules of a conversation, for example, there could be causes that go beyond simple behavior. There are several activities which focus on the language components of phonology, grammar and pragmatics. It is good for teachers to have several helpful tools and strategies ready depending on the need of the child. There are many ways for the classroom to do group activities which help all the children, not just those dealing with language frustration. It can be useful for all students to gain knowledge so they can also know how to work together.  Classroom discussions can include topics of social uses of conversation and appropriate language.
            When there is an increased awareness of the link between language difficulty and behavior problems, teachers will be more equipped to focus on working to help children in their areas of need.

Review:

Language difficulty is something I have personally dealt with my entire life so I am glad I found an article that does a wonderful job pointing out the issue. It is important for teachers to see that behavioral problems are not always related to issues of attitude or laziness. Sometimes students simply are not able to comprehend the instructions or they do not know what they are being asked.

In some cases hearing impairments are a big issue with behavioral problems. Students who are whispering in the back of the room might be asking a friend to repeat what the teacher said because they are too afraid to ask themselves. Students who are quite might simply need to engage all of their attention to comprehend the lesson being taught. Other students with similar hearing difficulty might not care as much about their academic goals so they goof off more in class than others. A lot comes down to what the student individually feels about their personal struggles and if they care to push through.

Having my own experience with language difficulties will help me take this article and put the skills to good use in my classroom. It is important for the teacher to be aware that just because they are saying something clear, does not mean each student is hearing everything clearly. This article relates to classroom behaviors as well as reading diagnosis as students may be struggling to read and write as a result of language impairments. There could also be discussion about how language barriers are present with second language learners as well.