BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS OF ADOLESCENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF BULAWAYO: CAUSES, MANIFESTATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

Abstract

Behaviour problems frustrate many teachers and create an unpleasant teaching and learning
environment. When disruptive interactions occur between teachers and learners, these sometimes
lead to a chain of actions and reactions that spiral out of control resulting in chaos in the
classroom. Behaviour problems are a problem in many secondary schools in Zimbabwe. This
study investigated the causes and manifestations of behaviour problems of adolescent learners
and suggested guidelines for teachers on how to assist learners with behaviour problems in the
classroom. This is a quantitative study that used questionnaires. The questionnaire items for this
study were in the form of a four or five point Likert-Scale. The main findings contributing to the
causes of behaviour problems among adolescent learners are environmental factors, such as the
family and the school and peer pressure. Behaviour problems are manifested by adolescents as
disruptive behaviour, aggressive and antisocial behaviour, telling lies and theft. The findings
highlight important guidelines, which teachers can use to assist and understand learners with
behaviour problems in the classroom. The guidelines present an endeavour to solve problem
behaviour in the classroom.