The Educators and Parents Academy (EPA) has advised teachers to look beyond disruptive and difficult behaviour among students as schools resume for the new academic year. According to EPA, such conduct may sometimes be a manifestation of deeper emotional, developmental, family or learning challenges. Founder and Lead Trainer of EPA, Irene Ugbah, made the call during a virtual professional development training titled “Why Do Students Do That? Understand Before You Correct”.
More than 80 educators from across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Delta, Enugu and Lagos, registered for the training. The programme aimed to help teachers better understand the factors that influence students’ behaviour and learning. Ugbah led participants through practical classroom situations, emphasising that teachers needed to move beyond simply identifying behaviour as good or bad. Instead, they should first consider what a child might be trying to communicate through such actions.
Ugbah explained that children do not always have the emotional vocabulary or confidence to express fear, frustration, hunger, trauma, learning difficulties, peer pressure or a need for attention. As a result, behaviour could sometimes be the way unmet needs become visible. Using the iceberg model, Ugbah demonstrated that what teachers see on the surface may represent only a small part of what is happening in a child’s life.
A learner who is aggressive, withdrawn, defiant or unable to concentrate may be experiencing an underlying challenge that requires observation and further understanding rather than immediate punishment. However, Ugbah cautioned that understanding the possible cause of a child’s behaviour should not be interpreted as excusing inappropriate conduct. Teachers should establish clear boundaries while investigating possible causes and providing appropriate support.
Ugbah introduced participants to selected child-development and learning theories, translating the concepts into practical classroom situations. The training was developed in response to the need for practical and affordable professional development that equips educators with tools to improve classroom practices and learning outcomes.
Participants commended the training, saying it had changed their perspective on children’s behaviour and the importance of gathering information before reaching conclusions about a learner. Francisca T. Adesina, one of the participants, said she had learned that behaviour is a form of communication and that no child should be labelled without first understanding why the child is behaving in a certain way.
The training also highlighted the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding children both within and outside the classroom. EPA plans to continue providing capacity-building programmes, short courses and practical resources for educators, school leaders and parents. The organisation aims to bridge gaps among educators, parents and learners, particularly in underserved communities.
Key points
- The Educators and Parents Academy urges teachers to consider possible emotional, developmental or learning challenges behind students' behaviour.
- Teachers should establish clear boundaries while investigating possible causes of a child's behaviour and providing appropriate support.
- The training aims to equip educators with tools to improve classroom practices and learning outcomes.
