Attached.

Running Head: BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

Behavior Modification
Name
Course
Tutor
Date

1

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

2

Behavior modification techniques are used to help manage and change the consequences
of how children behave in a classroom setting. A student who interferes with the teacher’s
abilities to teach and instruct a class and the ability of other students to concentrate is considered
disruptive (Austin & Sciarra, 2016). For example, a student who engages other students by
passing notes or talking affects the class by forcing the teacher to stop the lesson in order to
attend to their behavior. The teacher can influence this disruptive behavior by improving their
interactions with the students in order to provide support and warmth and to offer a comfortable
environment. They can also promote cooperative learning by engaging students in groups which
would help them work more actively together in an expressive manner (Seeman, 2010).

If a student engages in a fight with other children in a class, they show negative behavior
which is likely to get copied by the other students. In this case, the teacher can use punishment as
a consequence to stop the behavior. They can also improve classroom management which would
result in improved student participation, less disruptive behaviors and a safe classroom
environment where student learn as much as they can. Students, who sleep in class, snore and
avoid doing classroom exercises can be a bad influence on the rest. The teacher should set
positive expectations and positively label student performance to increase their confidence.
Rewarding of ethical behavior will facilitate the negatively behaved students to behave in a
positive manner (Korb, 2012).

Pros of using Decision-making hierarchical approach to manage classrooms

a)

.

There is control

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

Hierarchical approach allows for greater control of children and provides a clear line of
responsibility for every individual. It helps teachers to remain accountable for the children’s
academics and their welfare among other things (Amada, G., & Smith, 2015).

b)

Encourages specialization
This approach of class management outlines each person’s roles which prevent conflicts

and doubling up of tasks. This allows experts to bring out their best abilities in classwork,
technical infrastructures or organizing of field activities such as school trips.

c)

Ease of coordination

When every teacher has a specific task, it is easier to reduce duplication of tasks which
helps to streamline efforts. This, in turn, helps the participants to become more productive and
efficient at their responsibilities (Stronge, 2007).

d)

Fosters security

It fosters security of roles especially when individuals are working with a familiar
system. No one is afraid of having their role being taken by another teacher.

Cons of using Decision-making hierarchical approach to manage classrooms

a.

Underutilization

Using the hierarchical approach to manage classrooms creates a clear outline of roles
which is likely to cause underutilization of staff. This limits awareness among the participants

.

3

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

4

and causes selective participation which is to the disadvantage of the beneficiary who is the
student.

b.

Isolation

Grouping of departments and responsibilities can cause the isolation of some teachers
from other sections of the school. It reduces communication and interdepartmental cooperation
since different sections become indifferent to the concerns of other departments (Rappaport,
2012).

c.

Speed and agility

This kind of approach slows various things such as communication, decision making and
taking of action since the superior administration should authorize any activity.

Classroom Participation Scenario

Teacher: Outline and explain five types of lifestyle diseases and their causes.

Student 1: Diabetes, caused by poor feeding habits

Student 2: Hypertension

Student 3: Lack of exercises

Student 4: Heart Disease, caused by drug abuse

Student 5: Obesity, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These diseases are associated with poor feeding
habits, lack of exercises, abuse of drugs such as alcohol and smoking and leading a stressful life

.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

5

Others: They don’t participate

From the above scenario, only one student shows active participation and engagement
with the teacher. The other four students engage in the exercise, but they are not actively
involved.

To improve participation, the teacher should;
1.

Assess the students’ knowledge and understanding of the topic

Instead of asking questions directly, the teacher should first ascertain that the students
have understood the topic thoroughly. He can then ask simple questions like, ‘what do you know
about lifestyle diseases?’ and ask them to raise their hands one by one. Making students feel
smart increases their participation (Colvin, 2010).

2.

Allow the students to learn from each other

When reviewing a topic before a test, you can divide the class into groups depending on
the skills they are required to practice. Guide them through the group work by setting guidelines
and allow them to teach other. For instance, you can allow them to do interesting activities such
as reviewing different types of foods and their contents. The students will get engaged and will
be in a position to learn and participate more when they get to answer the classroom questions.

3.

Creative approach

When introducing new content, highlight the topics and allow the class to discuss the
topics briefly in groups of two or three students. For instance, if you are discussing the American

.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

6

Revolution, let the...