Introduction
Behavior intervention is a very element in any curriculum. It assumes that measurable and observable characteristics are very important aspects that can be change hence making the individual to have desirable qualities. According to Allyn (2007), behaviour intervention follow set of consistent rules that aid in directing the individual to achieve desirable qualities. The rules and methods that are available can be best adopted to define, observe, and measure behaviors. The methods can also be used to design very effective behavior intervention plans. Behaviour intervention techniques can fail if they are applied inconsistently or inefficiently. It is imperative to note that all individual characteristics can be maintained, changed or shape by the consequences of the behaviour of the very individual. The right set of these behavioral consequences are very important for the child development but can be limited by other factors such as emotional influences that are related to depression (Allyn & Bacon, 2007).
Main body
Reinforcement has also been employed in shaping the behaviour of an individual. Reinforcers are consequences that strengthen certain desirable behavior elements of an individual. Punishment on the other has been used to eradicate certain undesirable behaviour elements from an individual. They are used to weaken behavior. This can be best adopted in classroom context where student’s behaviour can be managed, changed and shape by the classroom behaviour. There are steps that should be followed in behaviour intervention. The steps are:
- The student or the individual undesirable qualities be defined either through count or description
- Design very effective way of shaping the behavior of the individual
- Identify very efficient and effective reinforcer
- Consistent application of reinforcer to change the behaviour of the individual
It is important to note the fact that consequences of individual behaviour is directly related to the events that materialize behavior these consequences. Behavior intervention can be done effectively upon defining the right models to be used to shape and reshape the individual character. Preventative classroom is very important model that can be used to shape the behavior of an individual. This can be doe through effective teaching, frequent monitoring of the student, and setting up clear rules that students should follow. Moral education can also be used to modify the child behavior in a classroom (Mather, 2008). These can be done through moral discussions concerning real life issues in classroom, moral discussions of hypothetical situations; student should fully participate in school activities, the student’s discussion on important of role play. Social problems can be solved in learning institution through direct teaching of SPS skills, self instruction training and effective dialoguing. Effective communication models can also be used to clarify values of certain activities. This can be done through active listening, interpersonal skills training for students (Goldstein, 2007).
If reinforcement and punishment is used to modify certain behaviors of an individual, it is recommendable to follow set of principles. These should be used following certain behaviors and that it follows target behaviour. Reinforcement and punishment should create a meaning to the child (Mather, 2008).
Conclusion
In conclusion, both reinforcement and punishment can be equally effective in modifying individual’s behavior. Reinforcement is much more effective than punishment in modifying the behavior of children in classroom. When modifying individuals’ behavior through reinforcement, you begin with reinforcing strategies before resorting to punishment (Goldstein, 2007).
Reference List
Goldstein, S. (2007). Behavior Modification. WETA in Washington, D.C. 100-124.
Mather, N. (2008). Behavior Intervention Plan. Trade paperback Publisher, 130-179.
Allyn & Bacon, G. (2007). Contemporary Issue in Curriculum. Trade paperback Publisher, 131-167.