Behavioral Approaches to Classroom Management

By Timothy J. Landrum and

James M. Kauffman

There are five basic behavior operations:

1.Positive Reinforcement-The effect that is observed when a behavior is strengthened

2. Negative Reinforcement-Negative reinforcement refers to the contingent removal of stimulus.

3. Extinction-”Planned ignoring.”

4. Response Cost Punishment

-A previously earned reinforcer is removed contingent upon the occurrence of a target undesirable behavior.

5. Punishment involving presentation of aversives.

-An application of a stimulus that the student finds aversive. It will result in a decrease in the occurrence of the behavior it follows (can be physical

discomfort to scolding. )

Applied Behavior Analysis

-Systematic efforts to change socially important behaviors in positive ways through the application of behavioral principles.

1. ABAB or Reversal Designs2. Multiple Baseline Designs3. Changing Criterion Designs4. Multi-element or Alternating Treatment Designs

Concerns about a Behavioral Approaches to Classroom

Management

Contemporary Issues

1.Recent Trends in Behavioral Research

2. Functional Assessment-An attempt to find out the behavior and what function or use it serves.

3. Prevention and Early Intervention-Prevent problems from occuring at all or to intervene early.-Labeling the child in a way for special attention.

4. School wide behavior management

5. Failure to train teachers in effective practices-Involves different of opinion about what

constitutes evidence and what does not.

6. Controversy regarding rewards and intrinsic motivation.

7. Controversy regarding punishment. -Most American classrooms have low rates of

positive reinforcement. -Fosters aggression

Kauffman’s Research on Punishment

1.Punishment should be reserved for serious misbehavior. 2.Instituted only in the context of ongoing behavior management. 3.Should only be used by loving people toward the individual4.Fair and consistent5.Reasonable intensity6.Should involve response cost7.Related to misbehavior to practice an alternate behavior8.Discontinued if ineffective9.Written guidelines for specific punishment behaviors.

Conclusion

The behavioral approach provides teachers with a well researched set of tools to manage classroom behavior. The goal of the behavioral approach is that these ways are translated into ways that are useable by both teachers and parents.