A high incidence of classrooms in secondary schools suffer from widespread problem of
students disengagement such as sleeping in class and other off-task behaviors. The study aims
at examining the phenomenon of disengagement in the middle school classroom learning and
suggesting some implications to overcome such predicaments. In this grounded theory study,
authors interviewed selected middle school students who resist against or are reluctantly
involved in classroom learning. Some classes are additionally observed to confirm the findings
from the previous interview and to find more on what has not been completely addressed in it.
Data suggested research findings that curricular, pedagogical, and psychological factors are
attributable to the disengagement of sleeping students in class and other reluctant attitudes. In
addition, the teachers' direct instruction with fast pacing and higher level of difficulty in content
standards are also major sources to reinforce students disengagement. As a result, disengaged
students has formed their identities as feeling guilty and anxious about their disengaged
behaviors and, at the same time, making efforts to be a better student, struggling in a way that
they are coping with the boredom of the ‘remaining time of losing game.' Based on the results,
authors argued that the change of pedagogical practices in curriculum and teaching has more
potential than other possible strategies from generational theory or post-modern criticism for the
problem of students' disengagement.