Classroom Management
A Behavioral Approach

Citation: Huitt, W. (1996). Classroom management: A behavioral approach. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date], from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/manage/behmgt.html

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A behavioral approach to classroom management focuses on establishing clear expectations for appropriate behavior, monitoring behavior, and then reinforcing appropriate behavior and redirecting inappropriate behavior. It is especially important to create the desired classroom climate during the first several weeks of the school year.

Structuring/Selecting and Arranging Activities

• Establish rules and procedures early
• State expectations clearly
• Focus on positive expectations
• Practice "positive" behavior
• Establish group cohesiveness and responsibility
• Establish cues
• Model appropriate behavior
• Establish consequences
  1. reinforcers (Premack principle)
  2. punishers
• Establish method of delivering reinforcers
  1. Token reinforcement programs
  2. Contingency contract programs
  3. Self-management

Monitor Student Behavior

• Physical layout: ability to see all students
• Teacher movement: move around the room
• Group focus: keep students involved
• Overlapping: ability to supervise several activities at once
• Withitness: communicate to students you are aware of what's happening
• Pacing/movement management: keep lessons and students moving

Reinforce Positive Behavior/Redirect Inappropriate Behavior

• Anticipate occurrence of positive and inappropriate behavior
• Hold students accountable
• Provide specific feedback regarding behavior and expectations
• Focus on positive behavior; teacher attention to inappropriate behavior can be reinforcing
• Effective praise will:
  1. be contingent on display of positive behavior
  2. specify clearly the behaviors being reinforced
  3. be believable by the student
• Methods of coping with inappropriate behavior:
  1. Negative reinforcement focus on behaviors to be increased
  2. Satiation: have student(s) continue behavior until tired of it
  3. Punishment: deliver negative consequences when inappropriate behavior occurs; does not necessarily lead to positive behavior

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Dr. William G. (Bill) Huitt
Dept. of Psychology, Counseling & Guidance
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698-0001

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