Behavior management tips are useful for teachers, caregivers, parents or anyone who works with people who have special needs. Behavior management is a system or strategy with an intent to either increase desired behavior or decrease unwanted behaviors of a person, or a group of people. Caregivers should pinpoint specific goals and target specific ways for the people, or clients, under their care to reach these goals. This plan can then be modified for effectiveness.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective way to increase desired behavior of the subject. For example, if a student often throws a tantrum when it is time to go inside from recess, give the student a special treat every time he or she lines up and goes inside without a fuss. The special treat can be a gold star or extra time on the computer at the end of the day. Make the treats something the subjects enjoy so they will work for it. Positive reinforcement can also be as simple as giving praise when the subject performs a desirable behavior.
Negative Reinforcement
Negative reinforcement is another way to increase desired behavior by the subject. According to the Nutritional Disorders Telehealth Network Project, negative reinforcement involves taking away something that interferes with a desired behavior. For example, if a child tears books apart, you may put the books in a plastic bin that is inaccessible to the child.
Punishment
Punishment is a strategy to decrease undesired behaviors. It is a common form of behavior management used by parents with their children. It can involve timeouts, lectures or taking away toys as a consequence of poor behavior.
Extinction
Extinction is another form of behavior management that decreases unwanted behavior. Some subjects engage in unwanted behavior as a way to gain attention, says the Council for Exceptional Children. Extinction involves ignoring a poor behavior or subtly redirecting behavior so the subject ceases the poor behavior. For example, if a student calls out often in class, simply ignore the student while you ask another student for the answer.
Consistency
Whether you are trying to increase desired behavior or decrease unwanted behavior, the most important way to reach your goal is to be consistent. Most people who require behavior management struggle with self-control but respond well to habit. Consistently follow your plan for best results. If you are consistently enforcing your behavior management plan and are not getting results, it is probably time to think of a new approach.
