Understanding Misbehavior at University Level: Lecturer Perceptions from the US and Turkey

Abstract

This study focuses on the misbehaviors of university students, and more specifically, it investigates university lecturers’ perspectives of these problems along with their coping strategies. The study also investigates the factors associated with these behaviors and differences in cultural motives behind American and Turkish lecturers’ perceptions. The data consists of interviews and classroom observations of 38 lecturers from two universities, one American and one Turkish. The results revealed that problems encountered were cell phone use, inappropriate talking, inattentiveness, lack of participation and tardiness. In general, verbal warnings and the outlining of expectations were identified as the main coping strategies by both groups. Misbehaviors were attributed to parents and students themselves by American and Turkish lecturers. However, some American lecturers emphasized these misbehaviors might have stemmed from lecturers themselves.