Challenging behaviour in schools: a case of a high school in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg

Abstract

This study investigated the learners’ challenging behaviour at a high school in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg Central District. To achieve the objectives of the study, a single instrumental case study followed a qualitative approach and data was collected through semi-structured one-to-one interviews, a focus group and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to classify data for this study. Purposive sampling was used to select 14 participants for the study. The interpretive research paradigm was adopted. A systems theory approach and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory informed the study. The findings revealed that both teachers and learners have adequate knowledge on learners’ challenging behaviour. The participants and the disciplinary documents identified violence, substance abuse, disruptive behaviour and illegal activities of making money at school as the most prevalent challenging behaviour among learners at the school. Further, there is an interrelationship among the types of learners’ challenging behaviour at the school. The results highlighted that factors such as home, school, learner, community, education system and social media cause learners’ challenging behaviour at the high school of study. The data collected revealed that alternative methods to punishment are not effective because there is evidence of an increase in learners’ challenging behaviour at the school. Learners’ challenging behaviour at the school has a negative impact on teaching and learning. The research participants suggested parental support, school support, learner support, community support and Department of Basic Education support as strategic methods that can be used to reduce, correct and stop learners’ challenging behaviour at school. The researcher recommends that the South African government should partner with relevant government departments to address issues that Eldorado Park is experiencing because learners’ challenging behaviour at the school is largely influenced by community problems.