Behavior Contracts

Definition

Behavior contracts are written agreements between teachers and students that outline expected behaviors, responsibilities, and consequences for specific actions in the classroom. These contracts serve as a tool to promote accountability and encourage positive behavior while also providing clear expectations that can help manage the classroom effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Behavior contracts are typically developed collaboratively between the teacher and student to ensure that both parties agree on the expectations and consequences.
2. These contracts can include rewards for meeting behavior goals, making them an integral part of reinforcement systems that promote positive behavior.
3. Behavior contracts not only set expectations but also help students learn self-regulation skills by encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions.
4. The effectiveness of a behavior contract can be enhanced by regularly reviewing it with the student, allowing for adjustments as needed to better fit the student's progress.
5. Behavior contracts are especially beneficial for students who may struggle with impulse control or have difficulty adhering to classroom rules, providing them with a structured plan for success.

Review Questions

• How do behavior contracts facilitate positive student-teacher relationships and enhance classroom management?
  • Behavior contracts help establish clear expectations and promote accountability, which can lead to a more positive student-teacher relationship. By involving students in the creation of these contracts, teachers foster a sense of ownership and collaboration, making students more likely to adhere to the agreed-upon behaviors. This mutual understanding can reduce conflicts and misunderstandings, leading to a more harmonious classroom environment.
• Discuss how behavior contracts can be integrated into reinforcement and recognition systems within the classroom.
  • Behavior contracts can complement reinforcement and recognition systems by outlining specific behaviors that will earn rewards or recognition. When students know what behaviors lead to positive outcomes, they are more likely to engage in those behaviors. Additionally, behavior contracts can detail how students will be recognized for their progress, reinforcing their motivation and commitment to improving their conduct.
• Evaluate the role of behavior contracts in teaching self-regulation skills to students with diverse behavioral needs.
  • Behavior contracts play a crucial role in teaching self-regulation skills by providing structured guidelines for students to follow. For those with diverse behavioral needs, such contracts serve as tangible reminders of expected behaviors and the consequences of their actions. By allowing students to actively participate in creating their own behavior goals within these contracts, they develop critical self-monitoring skills. This not only empowers them to take charge of their behavior but also encourages reflection on their choices and fosters independence over time.

Related terms

Reinforcement: A process in which a behavior is strengthened by the consequences that follow it, either through rewards or positive feedback.

Self-Regulation:

The ability to manage one's own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations, often through setting personal goals and monitoring progress.

Behavior Modification:

A technique used to change undesirable behaviors through systematic reinforcement of desired behaviors and removal of rewards for undesired behaviors.