Academic, Behavioural, and Emotional Issues

with Practical Examples and Collaborative Interventions

Students do not experience academic, behavioural, or emotional issues in isolation. These domains interact continuously and influence learning, adjustment, and mental health. Understanding them through examples and applied contexts helps future teachers, counsellors, and psychologists respond effectively.

I. Academic Issues (With Detailed Examples)

Academic issues refer to difficulties that interfere with learning, performance, and academic progress, despite adequate opportunity and instruction.

1. Learning Difficulties

Example 1: Reading Difficulty (Dyslexia-like features)
Rohan, a Class 6 student, reads very slowly, skips words, and avoids reading aloud in class. His intelligence is average, but he performs poorly in language subjects.

• Academic impact: Low reading comprehension, poor exam scores
• Emotional impact: Embarrassment, fear of being laughed at
• Behavioural impact: Avoids class participation, frequent absences

➡️ Without emotional support and instructional modification, academic difficulty becomes a psychological burden.

2. Attention and Concentration Problems

Example 2: Difficulty Sustaining Attention
Ayesha cannot sit for more than 10 minutes during lectures. She frequently forgets instructions and incomplete assignments pile up.

• Teacher perceives her as “careless”
• Parents complain she “doesn’t study seriously”
• Child internalizes failure and develops low self-esteem

➡️ Here, academic difficulty is misinterpreted as lack of motivation, increasing emotional stress.

3. Examination Anxiety

Example 3: Test Performance Anxiety
Arjun knows answers during practice but freezes during exams. His heart races, hands sweat, and mind goes blank.

• Cognitive symptoms: Negative self-talk (“I will fail”)
• Emotional symptoms: Fear, panic
• Academic outcome: Underperformance

➡️ This shows how emotional issues directly impair academic functioning.

II. Behavioural Issues (With Applied Classroom Examples)

Behavioural issues are observable actions that disrupt learning or social functioning. Importantly, behaviour is often a communication of unmet needs.

1. Disruptive Classroom Behaviour

Example 4: Constant Talking and Class Disruption
Kunal frequently interrupts the class, talks loudly, and ignores rules.

Possible underlying reasons:

• Academic frustration (cannot understand lessons)
• Need for attention
• Emotional insecurity

➡️ Punishment alone may worsen the problem if the root cause is ignored.

2. Aggression and Oppositional Behaviour

Example 5: Anger Outbursts
Meena pushes classmates and argues with teachers.

Background assessment reveals:

• Domestic conflict at home
• Feelings of helplessness
• No safe emotional outlet

➡️ Behaviour here is an external expression of internal emotional distress.

3. Withdrawal and Social Isolation

Example 6: Silent Student
Rahul never speaks in class, avoids peers, and sits alone.

Often misunderstood as:

• “Well-behaved” or “shy”

In reality:

• Social anxiety
• Fear of judgment
• Emotional suppression

➡️ Internalizing behaviours are easily overlooked but equally serious.

III. Emotional Issues (With Developmental Examples)

Emotional issues involve internal states that affect mood, self-regulation, motivation, and relationships.

1. Anxiety

Example 7: School Anxiety
A student complains of stomach aches every morning before school.

Medical tests show nothing abnormal.

Psychological interpretation:

• Fear of bullying
• Academic pressure
• Separation anxiety

➡️ Emotional distress is often expressed through physical symptoms in children.

2. Depression and Low Mood

Example 8: Loss of Interest and Motivation
Neha, once a high achiever, stops completing assignments and appears tired.

Indicators:

• Loss of interest in studies
• Low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness

➡️ Academic decline is a symptom, not the cause.

3. Low Self-Esteem

Example 9: “I am not good at anything”
Repeated academic failures lead the student to develop a negative self-concept.

• Avoids challenges
• Gives up easily
• Fear of trying new tasks

➡️ This creates a self-fulfilling cycle of failure.

IV. Interrelationship: A Combined Case Example

Case Illustration

A Class 8 student:

• Fails in mathematics (academic)
• Becomes disruptive during math periods (behavioural)
• Feels ashamed and anxious (emotional)

Cycle: Academic difficulty → Emotional distress → Behavioural problems → Further academic loss

➡️ Effective intervention must address all three simultaneously.

Collaboration with Teachers and Parents

With Practical, Real-World Examples

Collaboration ensures consistency, early intervention, and holistic development.

I. Collaboration with Teachers

Teachers observe students daily and are critical partners in intervention.

Example 10: Teacher–Psychologist Collaboration

Teacher reports:

• A student is inattentive and disruptive

Psychologist suggests:

• Seating change
• Shorter tasks
• Positive reinforcement

Teacher implements strategies → Student engagement improves

➡️ Small classroom changes can produce significant behavioural improvement.

Classroom Strategies Teachers Can Use

• Differentiated instruction
• Clear routines and structure
• Emotionally supportive language
• Behaviour charts and reinforcement systems

II. Collaboration with Parents

Parents provide emotional continuity and reinforcement at home.

Example 11: Parent–School Coordination

Parent complains:

• “My child does not study at home”

School assessment reveals:

• Child studies but feels overwhelmed

Joint plan:

• Fixed study schedule
• Reduced pressure
• Encouragement rather than comparison

➡️ Consistency between home and school reduces confusion and anxiety.

Role of Parents

• Establish predictable routines
• Validate emotions (“I understand you feel stressed”)
• Reinforce positive behaviours
• Communicate openly with teachers

III. Role of Psychologist/Counsellor (Integrative Example)

Example 12: Integrated Intervention

Psychologist:

• Conducts assessment
• Provides counselling to student
• Guides teachers on classroom strategies
• Educates parents on emotional needs

Outcome:

• Improved academic performance
• Reduced behavioural issues
• Better emotional regulation

➡️ The psychologist functions as a coordinator of systems.

Benefits for Students (Clearly Observable Outcomes)

• Improved academic confidence
• Better emotional regulation
• Reduced disruptive behaviour
• Enhanced peer relationships
• Sense of safety and belonging

Conclusion (Student-Friendly)

Academic problems are not just about marks.
Behavioural problems are not just about discipline.
Emotional problems are not just “mood swings.”

They are interconnected experiences shaped by school, family, and psychological factors. When teachers, parents, and psychologists collaborate, students receive support, understanding, and guidance, allowing them to grow academically, emotionally, and socially.