Behavior Boot Camp

“Reinforcement is probably the most important concept to understand if we’re going to understand how to change someone’s behavior.” 

Meagan Gregory, PhD, BCBA

Abstract 

When it comes to managing difficult classroom behaviors, teachers often feel like they have tried everything and nothing seems to work. Perhaps the necessary changes may be simpler than they seem. Teachers are often told the phrase “use reinforcement.” Reinforcement is not just rewarding good behavior but something more elaborate. Understanding the concept of reinforcement and learning how to identify the actual reinforcers for certain behaviors is the first step in figuring out how to change behavior. Meagan Gregory will explain all the basic aspects of reinforcement necessary to use in the various behavior-change interventions she explains. These interventions are easily implemented to benefit an entire class and consist of creating and following through with rules, token economies, behavior contracts with students, group contingencies, and how to teach self-management skills. 

Learning Objectives—What you’ll learn in the course and be able to do afterward 

1.   Given several basic ABA terms and definitions, you will be able to: 

•   Compare form vs. function. 

                        i.   Identify one example of each. 

• Compare reinforcement and reinforcer. 

                        i.   Identify one example of each. 

• List four factors that affect reinforcement. 

2.   Given the components of token economies, you will be able to: 

• Describe the two types of token economies. 
• List the steps of administering and training a token economy. 
• Explain how to withdraw a token economy. 

3.   Given the steps on how to develop a behavior contract, you will be able to: 

• List the three components to include in a behavior contract. 
• Describe two things to consider when developing a behavior contract. 

4.   Given the three types of group contingencies, you will be able to: 

• Describe one advantage and one limitation of each contingency. 
• Describe an example of how each contingency may be used.

5.   Given the rationale and advantages of using self-management in the classroom, you will be able to: 

• Identify four steps to teach self-management. 
• Describe five considerations for self-monitoring. 

Partnership

This course is delivered through Florida Tech. Clicking "Enroll Now" will take you to Florida Tech’s website where you can Add to Cart, Checkout, and complete the course. Come back to our website for podcasts, blogs, courses, and content.