Its never too late! : a case study on children with challenging behaviour

Abstract

Since the author started her post-graduate training as an Inclusion Coordinator, she was concerned by the various challenges being faced by our schools today. The challenging behaviour presented by students is one of the main concerns teachers are facing. The researcher strongly believes that unusual behaviours manifest themselves as a result of certain life events to which the students are exposed. Students have to deal with the feeling of not being accepted, of family insecurity, being seen as an odd person, 'honoured' by being labelled at school, having to cope with all the learning process that takes place in class, not being understood and not finding the right person to talk to, together with a whole list of negative issues that make their life miserable! The literature review has revealed that Inclusion is an ongoing process. It is a challenge to ensure that all our students will have equal access to learning and fully engaged in the learning process. This research focuses on the inclusion of students presenting such challenging behaviour. These students attend the mainstream schools. They are complex students who are hard to describe using single description, students who consistently challenge our ability to teach them. A qualitative approach was pursued by undertaking interviews with legal guardians and students. The researcher carried out observations within the school environment. The study shows how these students can be included if new strategies are found to work with the students. Strategies should be discussed with the students and targeted to be achieved. The process of achievement takes time and will only succeed if attitudes change, students are given the necessary tools to work and start believing in themselves. That it is not too late and they too can succeed.