Behavioral Modification Techniques, Essay Example

Introduction

This paper provides an introduction to behavioural management and provides an example of a ‘Behaviour Modification Technique’. The emphasis is based upon Psychology and consideration of behavioural change patterns within this context.  The focus is based upon that of child or juvenile behaviour patterns. Behavioural modification may be described as an approach towards changing certain behavioural conditions in children by means of techniques such as positive reinforcement.  The concept of rewarding and encouraging those desired behavioural patterns. Teachers of young children are commonly associated with behavioural modification of their pupils. The foundation is built upon the respect of the Teacher and this is essential for the techniques to work.

The Five Step Plan

• Identify Behavior to Change

The teacher wants to stop talking or chatting in the classroom between lessons.  Certain pupils are prone to doing this and interrupting the flow of the lessons and also disturbing other pupils.

• Gathering Information

The teacher observes that this mainly takes place when there is a break in the lessons, where on occasions she has her back to the class whilst using the whiteboard. This occurs frequently throughout the day amongst different classes. The children seem generally indifferent to this but it is largely due to attention deficit when they either lose interest in the subject matter or become bored.  This does seem to occur more with the boys in the class and equally amongst the slower learning pupils i.e. they become disengaged far quicker than that of the other pupils.

• Interpretation of Information

The teacher observes that there are two sides of this coin.  That of the Teachers behavioural pattern and that of the student.  In order to make changes there needs to be some corrections on both sides.  First the teacher needs to improve the level of engagement and interaction with the pupils and spend less time at the whiteboard.  The teacher will also re-examine the lesson material in order to make it both more interesting and engaging to the pupils.  There is a need to introduce more positive enforcement in the classroom to show that talking is not acceptable.  Modification of some of the seating arrangements so that those prone to chat are not sitting next to one another.  You can adopt both individual and class incentive schemes.  For example if Jack pays attention during the lesson and refrains from talking he will be excused homework on a specific day.  A similar reward could be offered to the class in terms of group class behaviour whereby the offender (Jack) would not want to let the class down.  To be effective change has to be planned with both the individual(s) and the class so as not to be overly directive at individuals which in turn might engender a persecution complex.

• Planning for Change

The differences between Jack and Jill are subtle. Both have a tendency to chat in the class. With Jack it is more attention deficit and with Jill it is more about being the centre of attention.  Jack needs to become more focused by being more engaged and interested in the lessons hence more direct supervision of the teacher is required. Jill just tends to be naughty when the teachers back is turned, so this is more of an attitude adjustment.  With Jill the parental involvement is more about discipline and telling Jill what is and is not acceptable in the classroom and the need to work with the teacher in order to improve her learning.  With Jack it is a question of the parents providing input as to what stimulates Jack and focuses his learning.  Jack may love to draw so this could be introduced into part of his learning component in order to increase both his focus and attention on the subject matter.  The concept of reward might be if Jack responds well in a week’s lessons he might be excused homework on one day.

• Evaluation of Change

Change is measured and evaluated over time.  You would expect to see continued progression towards behavioural modification change in the individuals concerned.  This should also stimulate the other class members and as such seen an overall progression in the learning and attention span of the group.  Where the pupils fail to respond there may be more serious issues at stake i.e. psychological or medical issues. At that point it might prove appropriate to seek private consultation with a specialist and involve the support of the parents.