Researchers found that 43.8% of first-year teachers felt unprepared for managing classrooms. As you would imagine, it’s impossible for learning to occur in a classroom full of chaos.
Unfortunately, most teacher training programs provide little training on behavioral management. Thus, how can educators create a classroom culture that allows students to thrive?
The best way to promote better behavior in students is to use applied behavior analysis. You can use this scientific approach to avoid chaos, especially near the end of the school year.
Read on how to do so and how our software can help you.
What Is the Applied Behavior Analysis Approach?
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach uses scientific methods to explain behavior. ABA theory examines how behaviors change or how their environment affects them. Teachers can also use interactive methods to explore how learning occurs.
Studies show that ABA-trained teachers can create positive changes in their classrooms. By understanding the cause of a student’s behavior, teachers can assist them meaningfully.
These skills can help teacher-student engagement in the classroom, and increase students’ motivation to learn.
The Use of Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Good Behavior
One of the fundamental principles of ABA is to use positive reinforcement. This technique focuses on using positive responses to encourage a specific behavior or task.
Examples of Positive Reinforcement
There are different kinds of positive reinforcement available. Teachers and school staff can become creative to promote good behavior in students. Below are some suggestions:
- Display student’s work within the classroom
- Spend quality one-one time with each student
- Create a special day to acknowledge student’s hard work
- Give rewards for positive behavior
- Create leadership opportunities for students
Educators may find it difficult to form relationships with every student. It can seem impossible to do this when a classroom has over fifteen students.
However, students learn they care about their well-being when teachers do this. When students know teachers care about them, they are more likely to behave.
To achieve this, teachers can plan one-on-one lunches for their students. Essentially, this is an example of an incentive to promote good behavior in students. Other incentives can include stickers, treats, or special prizes.
Putting students in leadership roles also works well for them. Have essential roles for students for the day or every week.
For example, some leadership roles can be line leader, watering plants, or being the door holder. By creating leadership roles, students can foster ownership and feel a part of the community.
Using Classroom Management Skills for Special Education
In the past, school systems put students with disabilities in different classes. Teachers and administrators were unaware of how the separation affected these students. Research shows that these students perform better when in a classroom with their peers.
Students with special needs require more attention. If they do not receive it, the classroom can become troublesome. Therefore, teachers need to develop classroom management skills to accommodate every student’s needs.
The best way to do this is to keep things simple. Frequently give verbal commands, and make sure your instructions are easy to follow. Whenever the student does not seem to understand your instructions, repeat them.
Teachers should create a predictable schedule that’s easy to follow. Special needs students need a routine to remember what will happen for the day. Likewise, students with autism will appreciate a simple schedule to follow and prefer to stick to it.
Also, autistic children do not like change and enjoy order. So let them know ahead of time if there are any unexpected changes, such as a field trip.
You Can Promote Virtual Learning by Using Classroom Management
As virtual learning becomes more prevalent, educators must promote class management online. The key is to treat a virtual classroom the same as a regular classroom.
It’s essential for teachers to establish rules and norms for students when learning online. Take the time to make the online environment feel like a regular classroom.
You can do this by having a rule for students to avoid distractions during class hours. Putting phones away and limiting interactions during class time may be challenging at times, but rewards will encourage them to do so.
Set dress codes for students to follow when it is time to participate in the virtual classroom. To feel prepared to participate in an online class, they shouldn’t wear pajamas and at least come to class wearing clean clothes.
Also, teachers need to communicate clear expectations to students about virtual learning. Remind students of expectations during class, and be sure to model them yourself.
How Does Insights to Behavior Software Incorporate ABA Methods?
Developing classroom management skills independently can be challenging. But, software tools incorporating behavior analysis methodologies can help. Insights to Behavior teaches ABA methods to help teachers improve overall classroom productivity.
Understanding why students behave the way they do will help educators improve their behavior. During workshops, teachers gain skills and knowledge to assist special needs students better.
Our training includes developing ABA behavior plans to identify and track their progress. Teachers can produce data sheets quickly and remain organized while meeting the needs of all students.
Request a 30 Minute Demo With Insights to Behavior Today
Again, Learning ABA techniques on your own can be a challenge. At the end of the school year, children are eager for a break and to start their summer festivities. However, the anticipating waiting game for school to be over may cause them to act out more.
But with the right tools, you can learn how to use applied behavior analysis techniques to help your students stay on track. To ensure student success, request a demo today to discover how we can help you.
