ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate response to a student who repeatedly disrupts class behavior?

1. Assign a written reflection

2. Exclude the student from class entirely

3. Separate the student and give a timeout

4. Ignore the behavior and continue teaching

The correct answer is: Separate the student and give a timeout

The most appropriate response to a student who repeatedly disrupts class behavior is to separate the student and give a timeout. This approach allows the teacher to address the disruptive behavior while minimizing its impact on the rest of the class. Timeout serves as a discipline strategy that can help the student reflect on their actions and the consequences of their behavior. By temporarily removing the student from the disruptive environment, the teacher provides them with an opportunity to regroup and consider how their actions affect their learning and the learning of their peers. This method often encourages accountability and can lead to better self-regulation in future situations. In contrast, assigning a written reflection can be beneficial for some students, but it might not immediately address the disruptive behavior during class time. Excluding the student entirely from class could lead to further disengagement and missed learning opportunities, while ignoring the behavior tends to allow it to persist unchecked, which can undermine classroom management and the learning environment.