Essay 99 – Schools have severe problems with student behaviour

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 99

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?
What solutions can you suggest?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:

In many countries, educational institutions experience grave difficulties with the discipline of their pupils. This essay will examine the main causes of this problem, and then puts forward feasible solutions to this phenomenon, followed by a logical conclusion.

The real cause of students’ misbehaviour in schools lies in dysfunctional home life, one that is not operating in a healthy way. There are several factors like financial instability, parenting style, ineffective parental discipline, parents’ view on discipline, and working parents, which all impact a student’s attitude in the classroom. For instance, many parents either do not spend quality time with their offspring or lack the competencies required to inculcate a sense of respect for others in their children. Consequently, young people do not listen to their teachers and often actively rebel against rules and regulations in schools.

The most effective solution to this problem is to watch students closely. To put it another way, pupils who assume they are in the presence of an alert teacher are less likely to behave improperly than those who feel they are not being monitored. A teacher, therefore, should constantly circulate throughout the classroom so that he can examine students’ progress and provide suggestions for students who struggle with their work. Eventually, this will keep students focused on their task at hand as well as refrain them from luring students away from their lesson. Likewise, parents should spend quality time so that they can instil good manners into their children from an early age.

To conclude, it is expected that parents will spend some good time with their offspring to teach them proper behaviour. Teachers can also closely monitor students with behavioural problems and take special care to help them become responsible learners in schools.

Model Answer 2:

The issue of student behaviour in schools is a growing concern in many countries. The disruptive conduct of students not only hampers the learning environment but also undermines the overall effectiveness of the education system. In this essay, we will explore the causes of this problem and propose potential solutions to address it effectively.

One of the primary causes of student behaviour problems in schools is the lack of discipline and structure in educational settings. Many schools struggle to establish and enforce clear rules and consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Without a well-defined disciplinary framework, students may feel a sense of impunity and engage in disruptive actions, hindering the learning process for themselves and their peers. For instance, in a study conducted by a few USA Universities jointly in 2018, it was found that schools with lax discipline policies reported higher rates of student misbehaviour in many schools in the USA.

Another contributing factor to student behaviour problems can be attributed to socioeconomic factors and family backgrounds. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds often face numerous challenges outside of school, such as poverty, unstable living conditions, and lack of parental support. These circumstances can significantly impact their behaviour and emotional well-being, leading to disruptive conduct in the classroom. For example, research conducted by the Cardiff Institute Of Social Science indicated that students from low-income families exhibited higher levels of aggression and disobedience compared to their peers from more stable socioeconomic backgrounds.

To effectively address student behaviour problems in schools, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is required. Firstly, schools should implement proactive measures such as positive behaviour reinforcement programmes and character development initiatives. By recognizing and rewarding positive behaviour, students are motivated to exhibit desirable conduct, creating a more conducive learning environment. Additionally, it is crucial to provide support and resources for students facing socioeconomic challenges. For example, a few High Schools in the United States implemented a mentoring programme in collaboration with local nonprofit organisations, offering support and guidance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, resulting in a significant decrease in behavioural incidents.

Student behaviour problems in schools are a complex issue influenced by various factors. By addressing the lack of discipline, considering the impact of socioeconomic factors, and implementing comprehensive strategies, schools can foster a positive and conducive learning environment.