ERIC Number: EJ1011418
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-3116
EISSN: N/A
Challenging Control: Inclusive Teachers' and Teaching Assistants' Discourse on Students with Challenging Behaviour
Orsati, Fernanda T.; Causton-Theoharis, Julie
International Journal of Inclusive Education, v17 n5 p507-525 2013
Describing students with disabilities as presenting "challenging behavior" is common in US schools. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the discourse utilized by teachers in order to understand their beliefs and practices surrounding young students considered to present challenging behavior. This study examines teachers' language in four ways: which discourses they draw from, the consequences of engaging in the discourse on practice, what maintains the use of such discourse and finally the possibilities for change. The critical discourse analysis unpacked that teachers begin labeling the students as challenging, not the behavior. Consequences of this thinking emerged as teachers excluded the students, or what they consider "the problems" from the classroom. Exclusion was found to be the "necessary" response when control is prioritized in the classroom. In sum, the discourse of control is available for shaping how teachers understand and support students. Developing a relationship with students empowers teachers to see past the labels, the control discourse, and truly support students in inclusive classrooms. Finally, implications for practice are shared to improve the experience of inclusive education for both student and teacher.
Descriptors: Student Behavior, Behavior Problems, Disabilities, Teacher Attitudes, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Discourse Analysis, Labeling (of Persons), Classroom Techniques, Power Structure, Student Empowerment, Teacher Student Relationship, Inclusion, Special Education Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Regular and Special Education Relationship, Semi Structured Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A