Incivility and disruptive behaviour among midwifery students:

Abstract

Incivility and disruptive behaviour among student midwives in the UK interferes with teaching and disrupts the learning process for other students.  Uncivil behaviour is of particular concern among midwifery students as the learning environment is often seen to reflect how the practitioner might present themselves to service users.  In order to practice, midwives in the UK must be determined to be of good character; based on their conduct, behaviour and attitude.  Therefore poor behaviour might prevent a student midwife in the UK from registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC] after graduation.  Uncivil or disruptive behaviour from those students studying vocational degrees and wishing to become midwives can therefore, prevent them from working as clinician's.  This paper aims to put forward theories on why students might be disruptive in the classroom and suggest recommendations as to how incivility and disruptive behaviour might be managed.  The adaptation of a number of specific teaching and assessment strategies in midwifery education are made.