Boys’ Behaviour In An Elementary School Classroom

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This paper will look at boys’ behaviour in an elementary school classroom from an education professional standpoint. Specifically, how to modify the aggressive behaviour of boys who speak out of turn in class. It will look at the effect that behaviour specific praise has on aggressive behaviour. Multiple forms of differential reinforcement will also be examined in regards to how to transform a boy who acts out for attention into a boy who understands his behaviour is not necessary. Differences between girls and boys in an elementary school classroom will also be considered. Through this process teacher, child and the rest of the class will benefit. This paper will begin with ideas for general classroom management and then narrow down specific recommendations for individual cases.

Boys’ Behaviour In An Elementary School Classroom
“Simply targeting interventions at individual children in the classroom may not actually solve a classroom behaviour problem” (Parsonson, p.16). There are many different factors that come into play when looking at a child who is misbehaving. Young boys who act out in class do not always have an exact reason for their behaviour. It is ambiguous as to why exactly they are speaking up or acting out – the antecedent cues are not always clear. As a teacher, one must be aware of this, understand that there are numerous reasons behind a child, and seek to find out what works best for each individual child to alter the negative behaviour while encouraging an alternative behaviour. Behaviour specific praise and multiple forms of differential reinforcement may be used to break the habits of the child.
Case Study
This paper will include a fictional case study about a nine year old boy named Austin. Austin frequentl...

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