Unit 5: Behavior Management

Management of student behavior is a major concern of teachers and paraeducators because of its importance in establishing a positive learning environment. Creating the opportunity to learn and develop both academic and behavioral skills is essential to an effective classroom. This unit provides paraeducators with basic information to assist them in contributing to an effective behavior management approach. The unit addresses the goals of behavior management; planning and the roles of paraeducators in carrying out behavior management; strategies which assist in managing students and promoting positive behavior; and ethical considerations related to classroom management.

The intent of the unit is not to provide the paraeducator with everything they need to know about behavior management but rather to provide a starting point for working effectively with the teacher. You will notice that the focus of the unit is on finding ways to assist and support students in being successful rather than on controlling misbehavior.

Objectives

After completing this unit and its activities the paraeducator should expect to be able to:

Explain the purposes and philosophy of behavior management.
Delineate the paraeducator's role in carrying out the classroom behavior management plan.
Describe strategies for managing students during group activities.
Demonstrate skills for increasing positive behavior in students.
Demonstrate awareness of the importance of the ethical application of behavior management strategies.