EXPLORING THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO STUDENTS' DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR AND THE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TEACHERS NEED TO ADDRESS IT

Abstract

This autobiographical study was conducted to explore why students exhibit disruptive behavior and what knowledge and skills teachers need to have to address it. Only ten teachers with a Master’s degree and ten years of teaching experience in public secondary schools were the study participants. Autobiography was chosen as a pragmatic research method because direct observations or other techniques were impossible due to the closure of schools during COVID-19. The study revealed that causes of disruptive behavior included familial factors (home environment, poverty, and parents' education), social media, peer influence, and the unprofessional attitude of teachers were the main causes of disruptive behavior. It was recommended that teachers be trained in dealing with students' disruptive behavior through micro-teaching techniques based on theoretical awareness.