Teachers' Experiences Concerning the Rise in Student Aggression PDF
Preview Teachers' Experiences Concerning the Rise in Student Aggression
Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 Teachers' Experiences Concerning the Rise in Student Aggression Doris Massey Works Walden University Follow this and additional works at:https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of theEducational Administration and Supervision Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please [email protected]. Walden University COLLEGE OF EDUCATION This is to certify that the doctoral study by Doris Works has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Maryanne Longo, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr. Daniel Baer, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr. Barbara Lopez Avila, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2014 Abstract Teachers’ Experiences and Perspectives Concerning the Rise in Student Aggression in Public Schools by Doris Massey Works MEd, Columbia College, 1999 BA, Benedict College, 1981 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University December 2014 Abstract This research study addressed the problem of aggressive and disruptive behaviors for kindergarten through Grade 12 students in a school district located in Southeastern United States. The study examined classroom teachers’ daily lived experiences with student aggression. Using a phenomenological design and guided by the frustration aggression theory and the social learning theory, the research questions explored teachers’ responses to what can be done to help with disruptive and aggressive students and how social learning could help students with these behaviors. Data were collected from interviews with 5 individual teachers who had experienced aggressive and disruptive behaviors; data were also gathered from a focus group of 6 to increase credibility of the final interpretations. Both interview and focus group data were color- coded and thematically analyzed. Emergent themes revealed that aggressive disruptive behaviors included extreme disrespect toward teachers with physical and verbal abuse, and low teacher efficacy. The results indicated that social learning, through positive modeling, was needed to help aggressive disruptive students change their behavior. Teacher recommendations included professional training on social learning strategies, reducing class size, instilling a zero tolerance policy, increasing administrative support, and providing social learning programs for aggressive students. These recommendations could lead to social change by implementing constructive measures to reduce aggression and nurture positive teacher-student relationships by which students are empowered to learn and grow. Teachers’ Experiences and Perspectives Concerning the Rise in Student Aggression in Public Schools by Doris Massey Works MEd, Columbia College, 1999 BA, Benedict College, 1981 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University December 2014 Dedication This study is dedicated to my wonderful husband, Marcus, and our loving son, James Alden. I would like to make a special dedication to the loving memory of my parents, James and Rev. Louise Massey, my sisters Peggy and Pam, my mother-in-law Juanita Coe, and my father-in-law Thomas Works. To my best friend, Leslie Marie Scott, who encouraged me to pursue this degree: I dedicate this paper in your loving memory. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my family for their loving support and for making sure that I had everything that I needed and always being there for me. To my husband Marcus and son Alden, my sisters Anita, Linda, and twin Dorothy, thank you very much for your prayers and encouragement. Thank you also to Carolyn and Minnie for nurturing my confidence and being the best friends anyone could have, and to Dr. Maryanne Longo and Dr. Daniel Baer for the continued professional guidance needed to complete this study. Much appreciation, also, to colleagues, extended family, and friends for the best motivational support. Most of all, I give thanks to my heavenly Father for the inspiration to envision this dream. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv Section 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................3 Nature of Study ..............................................................................................................3 Research Questions ........................................................................................................4 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................4 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................5 Operational Definitions ................................................................................................. 8 Assumptions, Limitations, Scope and Delimitations .....................................................8 Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 8 Limitations .............................................................................................................. 8 Scope ..................................................................................................................... 9 Delimitation ............................................................................................................ 9 Significance of Study .....................................................................................................9 Summary ......................................................................................................................10 Section 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................12 Introduction ..................................................................................................................12 School Climate .............................................................................................................12 Teacher-Student Relationships ....................................................................................19 Student Aggression ......................................................................................................23 Efficacy ........................................................................................................................27 Social Learning ............................................................................................................30 i Methodology ......................................................................................................... 34 Research Questions ............................................................................................... 37 Summary ......................................................................................................................37 Section 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................41 Introduction ..................................................................................................................41 Research Design...........................................................................................................41 Research Questions ......................................................................................................44 Context of the Study ....................................................................................................44 Measures for Ethical Protection of Participants...........................................................45 The Phenomenological Researcher’s Role ..................................................................46 Criteria for Participant Selection .................................................................................46 Data Collection ............................................................................................................47 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................49 Validity ........................................................................................................................50 Summary ......................................................................................................................51 Section 4: Presentation and Analysis of Data ....................................................................52 Introduction ..................................................................................................................52 Research Questions ......................................................................................................52 Participants ...................................................................................................................53 Data Collection Process .............................................................................................. 55 Management of Data and Emerging Themes...............................................................56 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................57 Research Question 1 ....................................................................................................58 ii Interview Question 1 ............................................................................................. 58 Interview Question 2 ............................................................................................. 67 Interview Question 3 ............................................................................................. 74 Research Question 1 Analysis .............................................................................. 87 Research Question 2 ....................................................................................................89 Interview Question 4 ....................................................................................................89 Evidence of Quality .....................................................................................................96 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................97 Summary ......................................................................................................................98 Section 5: Implications of the Findings and Recommendations ........................................99 Overview ......................................................................................................................99 Research Questions ....................................................................................................100 Interpretation of Findings ..........................................................................................101 Research Question 1 ........................................................................................... 101 Research Question 2 ........................................................................................... 105 Implications for Social Change ..................................................................................108 Recommendation for Action ......................................................................................109 Recommendations for Further Study .........................................................................110 Researcher’s Reflection .............................................................................................111 Conclusion .................................................................................................................112 References ........................................................................................................................114 Appendix A: Criterion Sample Interview Questions .......................................................131 Appendix B: Focus Group Interview Questions ..............................................................132 iii
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