Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Chapter 7
Cognitive Behavior Management
Defining Cognitive Behavior Management
• Cognitive behavior management is the use of intervention strategies designed to teach
students to control their own behaviors. Teaching students to manage their own behaviors
can prevent the occurrence of behavior difficulties in the classroom.
Implementing a Self-Management Plan
• Self-management is an umbrella term that includes a number of techniques specifically
designed to teach students to control their own behaviors.
• Common features among these self-management techniques include identification
of the target behavior, self-observation, and self-recording.
• There are seven steps in implementing a self-management plan:
1. Identify the target behavior.
3. Discuss with the student the relevance of the appropriate behavior.
5. Model the technique.
7. Practice the technique in authentic settings.
Self-Management Techniques
• Goal setting, self-instruction, self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self–
reinforcement are five common techniques of self-management techniques.
Goal Setting
o Students set goals for performance in both academic and behavioral areas.
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Self-Instruction
o Self-instruction involves self-talk that assists in regulating behaviors. Students talk to
themselves to help them finish tasks, solve problems, or mediate social situations.
o In teaching self-instruction to a student, the following steps can be used:
1. The teacher models the task for the student while talking aloud.
3. The teacher uses a quiet voice and the student talks aloud while performing the
task.
5. The student performs the task while using silent self-instruction.
Self-Monitoring
o With self-monitoring, students observe their own behaviors and self-record whether
o Self-recording can be cued or noncued. In cued self-recording, students record their
behavior when a signal is given. In noncued self-recording, students are asked to
make a notation on a data collection sheet each time they perform the target behavior.
o When implementing self-monitoring strategies, the teacher and student:
1. Select a target behavior.
3. Instruct the student in the use of an appropriate data collection system and its
corresponding form.
5. Monitor the student during a practice data-recording time period.
6. Fade the use of the intervention.
Self-Evaluation
o With self-evaluation, students compare their performance to a set criterion.
o The student compares his own behavior to a predetermined standard set either by the
student himself or by the teacher.
Self-Reinforcement
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Problem-Solving Strategies
• Problem solving is a systematic process in which concerns are identified, defined, actions
taken, and solutions evaluated.
• Teachers should provide instruction in the area of problem solving just as they would
provide instruction in an academic subject.
• Problem-solving uses a five-step process:
2. Identify as many solutions as possible.
4. Choose and implement a solution.
5. Evaluate the outcome.
• Social problem-solving is the process of solving all types of problems that may affect a
person’s ability to function in the natural environment. Social problem-solving strategies
can be integrated into class meetings or group discussions in which all students are
allowed to become participants who work together to solve a problem.
Anger Management Strategies
• It is important for teachers to help students understand that anger is a human and
sometimes common emotion. Students who demonstrate disruptive behavior in the
classroom often have problems expressing anger in acceptable ways.
• Anger management strategies help students to learn acceptable ways of showing
frustration and anger.
o Students can use anxiety management/relaxation training (AM/RT) interventions to
manage anxiety caused by stressors in their lives.
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
o Anger management interventions typically include relaxation exercises for stress and
anxiety reduction, and these exercises often focus breathing.
o Relaxation therapy is an effective, self-regulatory intervention that allows students to
develop direct self-control of their behaviors.