Positive Behavior Support Effective Strategies to Minimize Problem Behavior By Sandra Leach

Context of Study  The purpose of this project was to learn effective ways to manage the classroom so that problem behavior will not easily interfere with the learning of my future students.  I wanted to discover different ways teachers positively managed their classroom, while providing a safe and secure learning environment.

Review of Literature  Today’s Challenge in Eliminating Problem Behavior –The idea of punishment that exists in our schools and homes. –Teachers and administrators fail to consider that punishment is only a temporary fix to the problem and does not help students learn more appropriate behaviors. –Must consider ways to build more positive, proactive environments where inappropriate behavior is reduced.

What is Positive Behavior Support? “Positive behavioral support is a general term that refers to the application of positive behavioral interventions and systems to achieve socially important behavior change” (Sugai and Horner, 2003).  Positive behavior strategies are research-based procedures that focus on increasing desirable behaviors instead of decreasing undesirable behaviors through punishment.  It emphasizes the importance of making changes in the child’s environment, hoping to improve the child’s behavior.

Methodology  Observations –Created a checklist based on strategies that support a positive behavior model and recorded different ways I saw the teacher fulfilling each goal  Interviews –Met with three teachers and informally interviewed them, based on a series of questions

Effective Strategies –Establishing Helpful Routines  Establish a predictable routine around personal care –Building a History of Success  Help students celebrate their successes, –Setting and Clarifying Realistic Expectations  Acceptable and desired behaviors are within reach for the students.

Effective Strategies  Reinforcing Effective Alternate Behavior –Give a student something to do in exchange for the bad behavior that will give them the same desirable outcome.  Minimizing the Power of Challenging Behavior –Do not provide a reaction or give in to the demands of the child. Redirect their attention, and create lessons that appeal to the students’ interests.  Redirecting the Effective Alternative Behavior –Remind students of what they can be doing instead to get their needs met.

Effective Strategies  Listen to the Students –Important for students to feel their opinions and concerns are valued in the classroom.  Reach out for Family Support –Students are less likely to engage in inappropriate behavior when their families are actively involved in their school lives.  Using Consequences –Should be respectful in that they don’t shame or humiliate the person and should be reasonable.

Interview Questions  How do you make rules and expectations clear in your classroom?  Is social skills instruction an integral part of the curriculum, if so how do you teach it?  Do you have a behavior management system in your class? Describe.  If yes, does it reward appropriate behaviors or punish negative behavior?  Do you provide opportunities for students to self-monitor their behavior, if so, what do you do?  Does your classroom rely on a predictable routine?  What types of consequences do you use, if any?  How do you develop partnerships with parents if having problems with a student?

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