Classroom Incivilities: The Challenge of Interactions between College Students and Instructors in the US

Abstract

This study investigates patterns in classroom incivilities among pre-tenure geography faculty at US colleges and universities. The analysis considers experiences of different groups of faculty, and societal and institutional contexts for faculty and student expectations. Most respondents reported experiencing minor incivilities, a minority outright hostility. Women reported experiencing more incivilities than other demographic groups. Large class size increased reports of misbehaviours. Instructors' physical appearance was also noted as influencing student–faculty interactions. Instructors' approaches to incivilities differed among groups. Non-White and international instructors reported fewer instances of confronting misbehaviours. Mentoring and sharing expertise are identified as key ways to support instructors.