Classroom Behavior
Expectations
Classroom Behavior as Communication
• A student’s behavior in the classroom
communicates information about the student
to other people
• Universities set behavioral standards for the
classroom to communicate their expectations
to students
• As with other forms of communication,
ensuring everyone is on the same page is
important to a smooth transition
Setting High Standards
• Colleges and universities set high standards
– Assumption is that students are there to learn
– Students are paying for this experience
– Attending is a privilege, not a right
• Basic guidelines reflect the university culture
• Variation may exist within the university
– Individual instructors
– More rigorous in upper-level courses
– Variations between majors/departments
General College Classroom Expectations
• Take initiative to learn and adhere to written guidelines
as well as unspoken/unwritten “rules” of university
culture
• Demonstrate maturity in actions and words
• Demonstrate respect for professors and other
university personnel
• Demonstrate respect for peers
• Contribute to the academic environment in a positive
way by listening and participating
• Do not demonstrate any behaviors that may disrupt
the academic environment
Disruptive Behavior
• Classroom disruptions are taken seriously
– Colleges enforce policies on disruptive behavior
– Policies exist to protect students who are investing time and
money in their education
• Definitions of disruptive behavior / classroom disruption
– “…any behavior likely to substantially or repeatedly interfere with the normal
conduct of instructional activities…” (East Carolina University)
– “…behavior a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly
interfering with the conduct of a class…” (Butler University)
– “…behaviors that hamper the ability of instructors to teach and students to
learn…” (UNC-Wilmington)
– “…acting in a manner so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it
materially or substantially interferes with normal classroom procedures…”
(Fayetteville State University)
Specific Examples of Disruptive Behaviors
• Repeatedly arriving late or
leaving early
• Making loud or distracting
noises
• Repeatedly entering and
exiting the room during
class
• Exaggerated or distracting
movements of oneself or
one’s belongings
• Cell phone or electronic
device going off
• Disrespectful, insulting,
profane, or otherwise
inappropriate language
• Answering cell phone
• Texting
• Unauthorized use of any
technology or electronics
• Disrespecting or ridiculing
others’ viewpoints
• Passing notes
Specific Examples of Disruptive Behaviors
• Loud or prolonged side
conversations
• Sleeping
• Speaking without being
recognized
• Reading material unrelated
to the course during class
(e.g., newspaper, websites)
• Interrupting
• Monopolizing class
discussions
• Unnecessary or repetitive
questions/comments
intended to delay
instruction
• Eating
• Ignoring instructions
• Persistent and
unreasonable demands for
time and attention
• Intoxication
Threatening or Dangerous Behavior
• Behavior judged to be physically threatening,
violent, harassing, intimidating, or otherwise
dangerous supersedes these policies
• Students believed to be dangerous can be
immediately removed from class by law
enforcement officers
Consequences for Disruptive Behavior
• Consequences vary according to the college and the severity/frequency
of the disruption
• Colleges have specific procedures instructors must follow to deal with
these situations
• Consequences may include:
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Being asked to cease the behavior in class
Meeting with the instructor and/or department head
Being asked to leave class and being counted absent
Reduction in course grade
Verbal warning; written warning
Formal charge of violation of code of conduct; referral to disciplinary board
Permanent removal from class with a grade of “Withdrawn” or “Dropped”
Probation; suspension; expulsion
Tips on Avoiding Disruptive Behavior
• Pay attention to your school’s policies and
culture, as well as individual instructors’
preferences
• Practice self-control and develop good habits
• Meet with the instructor to address any
concerns you have; if that doesn’t bring
resolution, meet with the department chair
• Avoid any behaviors not directly related to
classroom activity
Disruptive Behavior
Video Clip
Watch the video clip to see an example of a
disruptive high school classroom.
Appropriate Classroom Behavior
• In your own words, define academic
disruptive behavior.
• List three classroom expectations.
• List three disruptive behaviors that are not
tolerated in college classroom settings.
• What are the consequences of not adhering to
the classroom expectations?
• Write three tips for maintaining appropriate
classroom behavior.
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