Behavior Management:
Let's first define what behavior management actually implies.
Behavior management, in this case in a classroom context, is the use of
controlled methods and interactions to promote desired behavior. There are many
different behavior management techniques and approaches and they all have
their merits and place.
Fundamentally, you ought to concentrate on positive
behavior management strategies, particularly ones that encourage students
to behave how you would like them to. In order to inspire and
motivate students, it's critical to establish a careful balance in how they are
imposed and used.
However, let's take a step back from behavior management strategies and
focus on -the students, who are the most crucial component of the total
picture. Moreover, most of the special
schools in India are getting equipped with a special education
system. Behavioral interventions for special needs students need to be very
structured and implemented with conscious efforts.
What Causes a Child to Behave the Way They Do?
This question is
extremely complicated and the answer differs for each and every child. Still, a
teacher who is able to consider why a child is behaving a certain way will be
far more likely to succeed in supporting that child both emotionally and socially.
few factors that may have an impact on a child's behaviour are as follows:
1. family experiences
2. their own self-image
3. relationships they have
4. their own skills or abilities
6. Sensory need
7. To escape a task
8. To get attention
9. To get tangible items
10. past opportunities and experiences
For neurotypical kids some - if not all - of these things are still part
of our experiences. However, they have learned how to cope with these in our
own unique ways, and we continue to learn how to do so throughout our lives.
The difference between neurotypical and children with special needs is that we have an approach
to thinking, dealing, and expressing these issues. We have past experiences to
rely on and can communicate our need for help in an appropriate manner.
Note: Try to understand things from the child’s point of view. The
expectation of all children to do as they are told ‘because you say so’ is very
old fashion. You want the children to be motivated to do as they’re told, not
to feel as though they must ‘or else’.
Different Behaviour Management Approaches
There are a great number of behaviour management techniques and
approaches and it’s something all teachers are constantly developing. This is
because all children have different needs and require different approaches.
However, the overriding principles remain the same:
1. Clear expectations - both for the student and
yourself.
2. Fair and consistent application - students need to
know where they stand and that this structure is in place to keep them and
everyone else safe.
3. Proportionate application - Make sure your behaviour
management is "justified" from the perspective of the kids,
especially.
4. Follow up -(sometimes known as debriefing) to ensure
that the students know why you have used certain behaviour management
techniques, and reaffirm what you expect from them moving forward.
Strategies that can be implemented in the
classroom.
Create
class rule-
Creating these
with your class gives them input into the sort of learning environment
they want. You can guide this towards appropriate rules and it can also include
a couple of rules for you as the class teacher. It gives the students ownership
and they can be more motivated to meet these expectations.
Be
a good role model-
Try to make
sure you are practicing what you preach. If you do not want children talking on
top of their voice then do not shout across a classroom yourself. Learning how
and when to use and/or project your voice appropriately is key, alongside the
use of
Non-verbal
communication-
Communication
is a necessity for each person. Students with special needs find is difficult
to express their needs. Incorporating PECS in a classroom setup will aid
students to express themselves and lower their level of anxiety.
Reinforce
positive behaviour-
Instead of
giving the student attention for the wrong behaviors, place greater emphasis on
positive behaviour. This can take the form of verbal praise or a reward given
in accordance with a system that has been established, or it can take the form
of nonverbal cues like a thumbs-up, a broad smile, or just mouthing phrases
like "thank you" and "good job."
Reward
systems-
There are so
many various reward systems that are effectively used. As part of their
behaviour policy, some schools in Mumbai with special children on school
implement this system it also permits teachers to use their professional
discretion to implement their own suggestions in the classroom. It can also be
done by asking them what kind of reward system they would want to have. One
that is frequently used is a token system.
Offering
choices-
Give kids an
option instead of telling them what to do all the time. Make sure to do it
quietly and in a way that is student-friendly. The first option is the one you
want them to select since it gives them a chance to redeem themselves. The
second option results from not selecting the first. For example, a child is
repeatedly pushing other children when lining up. Choice one - they can say
sorry and line up with the other children sensibly and go out to play. Choice
two - they can stay in the classroom while the others go out to play until they
are ready to perform choice one.
Chances
to redeem themselves-
Every day, we
all make mistakes. We move on after forgiving one another. Why not do the same
in a teaching environment? Such schools can set the best example for support
for behavioral challenges in special education. A child needs a second chance
if they have been punished for making the wrong decision. This can be
accomplished by explaining to them how to make good choices. Additionally,
praise them for their good decision.
At the heart
of behaviour management is trying to establish a strong professional
relationship with your class. Finding out their individual needs, their
strengths and weaknesses, their likes and dislikes, and so on, can help inform
your decision-making when implementing behaviour management into your
classroom. A school like Adtiya Birla integrated school incorporates a well
established child-cantered approach will yields the most effective and
long-lasting results with regards to behaviour.
