In the previous articles of this series, some of the techniques from behavior modification as well as principles from Dr. William Glasser and Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs were discussed. In this final segment, various techniques from published behavior programs will be examined.
There are several programs available to schools for use in just one building or used district-wide as an approach for behavior management for their students. These programs often combine the various philosophies and techniques previously discussed in this series of articles. It is important to note that not every published program is good or is it bad. It may be necessary to modify certain components of any behavior management program to use in a school setting. Employing various techniques from multiple philosophies helps to ensure helping a greater number of children who exhibit behavioral difficulties.
When choosing a behavior management philosophy for use in a school setting, the primary focus should address prior knowledge. Any program must consider the fact that children do not always arrive at school knowing how to behave appropriately in a group setting. Social acceptable behavior is a skill which must be taught and practiced. It is not sufficient to just tell the children how to act but also the teacher must demonstrate the required behaviors before having the children practice them. These behavioral skills should be re-taught often especially in the first few weeks of a new school year.
The same concept holds true to parents who wish to teach their children socially appropriate behavior skills. It is necessary to do more than tell the child the correct desired behavior but also demonstrate this behavior and have the child practice it. You will need to allow multiple practice times in order for the appropriate skill to become habit.
The use of encouragement becomes equally vital to teaching any new skill whether you are a parent or a teacher of many students. Demonstrating appropriate behaviors and helping to shape these skills in a child requires positive supportive messages. It is important to remember that encouragement is useful when the child is having difficulty or is failing at a task. Encouraging the child by telling them how to do better and re-teaching the skill is essential to this process. It may even become necessary to break the behavior down into smaller chunks of learning in order to make the task easier to master.
As with all learning, appropriate social skills do not just appear but rather they must be carefully taught. Part of this teaching is talking about how to behavior, demonstrating the desired behavior and allowing the child to practice in order for the behavior to become a part of the child's daily routine.
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