Teachers' Experiences Concerning the Rise in Student Aggression

144 Pages·2017·1.14 MB·English

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
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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