What if all teachers knew a balanced approach to managing difficult students?

At Hartwell The Educators University, all graduates learn important skills and strategies to working with students struggling with appropriate classroom behavior.

Embracing a Balanced Approach to Managing Difficult Students at Hartwell University

At Hartwell University, we prioritize equipping future educators with effective, research-based strategies to handle classroom challenges. A key component of our curriculum is the balanced approach model for managing difficult student behaviors, which blends firm structure with empathetic understanding.

Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of a balanced approach in reducing disruptive behaviors and fostering a positive learning environment. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that combining clear, consistent expectations with supportive teacher-student relationships significantly improves classroom behavior and academic outcomes (Smith et al., 2020).

Our program emphasizes understanding the underlying causes of challenging behaviors, such as trauma, learning disabilities, or environmental stressors. By addressing these root causes, educators can tailor their interventions more effectively. This approach is supported by the American Psychological Association, which underscores the importance of attending to students’ emotional and psychological needs alongside behavioral management (Jones & Jones, 2018).

Hartwell students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with local schools, where they apply these evidence-based strategies in real-world settings. This practical application, combined with reflective practice, ensures they are well-prepared to create inclusive and supportive classroom environments.

At Hartwell University, we are committed to developing competent and compassionate educators. By promoting a balanced approach to managing difficult students, we aim to contribute to the success and well-being of all students.

 

About Hartwell – The Educators University

Hartwell is dedicated to empowering K-12 education leaders by fostering the growth of their people into competent and compassionate educators and leaders. Our mission is to ensure every child is taught by educators trained from a biblical worldview, emphasizing both excellence and empathy. Through our affordable online pathways to education degrees, we make careers in K-12 education accessible to everyone, enabling a new generation of teachers and leaders to inspire and educate future generations.

Discover more about our programs and scholarship opportunities at Hartwell.

 

Sources

Jones, J., & Jones, K. (2018). Addressing the emotional needs of students: A balanced approach. American Psychological Association.

Smith, A., Johnson, B., & Brown, C. (2020). The impact of supportive teacher-student relationships on classroom behavior and academic outcomes. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(4), 617-630. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000395