Deviant Behaviors in School Among Adolescents: Managing Disruptive Behavior in English as a Second Language (ESL) Reading Class Case Study: Schools in Durrës, Albania

Abstract

The deviant behavior of students in the classroom is a highly intriguing subject to investigate due to the fact that it is a multifaceted issue that encompasses a variety of factors, including the family, society, the teacher, and primarily the individual and the school. The focus of this investigation will be solely on the adolescent and the deviant behaviors that are demonstrated during the learning process. Additionally, we will propose strategies for managing this behavior in English as a Second Language (ESL) Reading Classrooms. In this paper, the term "deviant behavior" will be used interchangeably to refer to deviant behaviors that involve students violating rules during lessons. The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the most prevalent forms of deviant behavior in Albanian schools and to conduct a comparison between industrial and non-industrial regions in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this expanding phenomenon. Nevertheless, this will be further investigated in the course of the investigation. The study included 80 pupils, 40 of whom were enrolled in the "Gjergj Kastrioti" gymnasium in Durrës and another 40 in the "Besnik Hidri" gymnasium in Shenavlash, Durrës. A questionnaire was utilized as the research instrument to verify one of the study hypotheses: Students residing in non-industrial areas are more likely to engage in deviant behavior. Graphs and tables were employed to illustrate the data using Microsoft Excel. The results of the study did not indicate any significant disparities between pupils in industrial and non-industrial areas in terms of their attitudes toward the situation or their recommendations for preventive school methods. Nevertheless, it is intriguing to observe alternative manifestations of these behaviors in one of these educational institutions. Several recommendations are provided at the conclusion of the study for the prevention and management of deviant or deviant behaviors in students. 

Received: 12 July 2024 / Accepted: 21 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024