Teaching disrespectful students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out why children are disrespectful and what to do about it. A review of literature revealed that a lack of respect relates to discipline problems. Therefore, a review of educational search engines for studies investigating the relationships between teaching style, student self-esteem and disrespectful behavior was conducted. The research hypothesis was that an authoritarian (controlling) teaching style and a student’s unstable self-esteem are associated with children behaving in a disrespectful manner. The research discussed theories behind self-esteem and factors that affect it such as: medical reasons, significant others’ opinions, along with teacher and student expectations. Also, an informational teaching style verses authoritarian (controlling) teaching was examined. Finally, intervention programs were suggested for improving self-esteem and discipline problems.