Handling Student Problem Behavior

PLK Vicwood K.T. Chong Sixth Form College Mr. Albert C.C. CHAN (B.S.W., M.A.) 2 May 2008

Functions of BehaviorEvery behavior has a functionFour primary reasons for disruptive behavior in the classroomPowerRevengeAttentionWant to be left alone (i.e., disinterest or feelings of inadequacy)

Functions of BehaviorMany misbehaviors exhibited by students are responses to a behavior exhibited by the teacherDo not tolerate undesirable behaviors no matter what the excuseUnderstanding why a person exhibits a behavior is no reason to tolerate it Understanding the function of a behavior will help in knowing how to deal with that behavior

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(65.6 %) (50.5 %) (44.8 %) (40.1 %) (36.8 %)

(Empathy)

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Four Steps for Winning Cooperation

Express understanding for how you think the child might be feeling. Be sure to check with him to see if you are right.Show understanding. Understanding does not mean you agree or condone. It simply means you understand the childs perception. A nice touch here is to share times when you have felt or behaved similarly.

Share you feelings and perceptions. If the first two steps have been done in a sincere and friendly manner, the child will be ready to listen to you.Ask if the child would be willing to work on a solution with you. Ask if he has any ideas on what to do in the future to avoid the problem. If he doesnt, offer some suggestions and seek his agreement.

THE THREE "R's" of Recovery Recognize - Wow, I made a mistake Reconcile - I apologize Resolve - lets work on a solution together.

Effective Methods Handling Power

Admit that you cant make the child do anything and ask for help in finding a solution that works for both of you.Use the Four Steps for Winning Cooperation.Redirect the child to use power constructively.Get children involved in finding solutionsVerbalize love and caring.

Effective Methods Handling Attention

Redirect the child into contributing behavior. Give him a job that provides her with positive attention in the classroom, or allows her to be helpful, such as giving her a stopwtatch to time your phone conversation.

Do the unexpected. (A big hug is often very effective.)

Smile in a knowing way that communicates you are not going to get hooked into this, and then say, Im looking forward to our special time at six oclock.Give reassurance and show faith. I love you, and I know you can handle this yourself.Ignore the misbehavior while touching the child. (Continue your conversation while touching your interrupting child on the shoulder.)

Effective Methods HandlingRevenge

Remain friendly while waiting for the cooling- off period.Deal with the hurt feelings. Make a guess about what has hurt the child, and show empathy.Use emotional honesty to share your feelings: I feel _____about _____ because _____, and I wish _____.

Use the Four Steps for Winning Cooperation.

Use reflective listening. Get into the childs world by reflecting back what you are hearing, You sound very hurt. Can you tell me more? How did you feel?Use the Three Rs of Recovery if you caused the hurt.

Effective Methods HandlingAssumed Inadequacy

Arrange for small successes. Find out anything the child can do and give her many opportunities to share her expertise.Acknowledge any positive attempt, no matter how small.Eliminate all expectations of perfection.Focus on assets.Do not give up.In classrooms, encourage the child to choose a buddy or peer tutor for help.

Question Time

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