Identification of Enablers for Reducing Student Incivility in Classrooms-An Exploratory Investigation

Abstract

There is a growing concern about student incivility in classrooms among academicians and institutional leaders. This study humbly tried to identify various enablers for reducing student incivility in classrooms through an exploratory investigation. This study uses empirical qualitative methods of investigation in a higher educational institution based at Delhi, NCR, India. The authors have conducted open-ended, unstructured interviews with 8 faculty members of various departments of the institution. This study able to develop three major themes and twelve sub themes as enablers to reduce student incivility in the classroom. The thematic map shall help the faculties and policy makers to integrate various mechanisms to control student incivility in classrooms. Incivil behaviour of the students creates disruption in the process of learning and teaching at the academic institutes. The behaviour of the particular students can be ranged from various dimensions i.e. from rudeness to lack of interest in class participation and learning process. There are various challenges used to be faced by teaching professionals in higher education with respect to student incivility (Bjorklund and Rehling, 2009; Clark, 2008). The misconduct inclined with disrespect hurts the true spirit of the learning classroom (Swinney, Elder and Seaton, 2010). The primary purpose of this paper to identify various enablers/mechanisms which can reduce student incivility in classrooms at higher education context, which will be itself a significant contribution for the practical implications that will be very much useful for the faculties and administrators of higher education institutes.