Date Approved

4-29-2026

Graduate Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)

Degree Program

College of Education

First Advisor

Sherie Klee

Academic Year

2025/2026

Abstract

This literature-based project examines the impact of challenging behavior on student learning and evaluates the effectiveness of preventative classroom management strategies. Challenging behaviors include aggression, disruption and withdrawal, negatively affect the learning environment by decreasing student engagement, increasing teacher stress and burnout, and contributing to a less supportive classroom climate. Grounded in Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, this project emphasizes the importance of developmentally appropriate practices that support both cognitive and social-emotional growth. Included are preventative classroom management techniques aimed at reducing challenging behaviors. Key strategies include maintaining a 5:1 ratio of positive to corrective feedback, establishing predictable daily scheduels and consistent routines, and explicitly teaching behavioral and social expectations. Additional approaches include modeling appropriate behavior, providing adequate wait time, supporting smooth transitions, and creating classroom environments that are safe, engaging and inclusive. The Positive Behavior Support (PBS) intervention model is also examined as a framework for promoting positive behaviors. Findings indicate that proactive and consistent use of these strategies can significantly reduce challenging behaviors while improving social, emotional and academic outcomes for young children. Furthermore, findings suggest that educators who have access to collaborative support systems and ongoing professional development are better equipped to effectively apply these strategies to reduce challenging behavior. This project presents a professional development opportunity to support the classroom management skills of educators that want to address challenging behaviors. This project highlights the need to equip educators with practical, research-based tools to create positive and productive learning environments.

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