Behavior Management Projects

Behavior management is the study of interactions, reactions, decisions and self-control. Psychologists, counselors, social workers, school teachers and parents often study the concepts of behavior management when they are trying to identify ways to help others make more positive choices in their lives. An effective way to address behavioral management issues is to institute a behavior management project that helps identify and isolate some of the underlying causes for positive and negative behaviors.

Different Approaches

• How you approach another individual triggers a particular response or reaction. When you constantly criticize, nag, put down, scold and punish another individual, it is highly likely that they will respond in a negative way -- such as by defiance, aggression, yelling, fighting or depression. However, if you approach another individual in a manner that is strengths-based and positive, supportive and encouraging, then it is probable that the other person will respond more positively.

  Conduct an experiment where you divide test subjects into two groups, and assign a chore for everyone to complete. One group will be asked to complete the chore by someone using a strengths-based approach, which involves saying please and offering a friendly smile and encouraging tone. The other group will be told to do something -- not asked to do it -- with some yelling thrown in, which symbolizes the deficit-based approach. Document the attitudes and emotions of the test subjects and compare the differences to see which group had the most positive facial expressions, body language and interactions. Relate this project to how you manage your classroom, business or home environment.

Reward Systems

• Incorporating reward systems into your classroom, office or home environment impacts individual and group behaviors. Positive reinforcement such as rewards, help motivate others and let them know that they are appreciated. In turn, individuals may respond and react more favorably. Try this project out at home with your kids or in the classroom. Institute a reward system that celebrates when kids do something great, and see if this changes their behaviors for the better.

Satisfaction Surveys

• Instead of trying to guess why certain people behave the way they do, administer a satisfaction survey and let them tell you exactly what they are thinking or feeling. Satisfaction surveys are an integral part of behavior management because it gives surveyors insight and perspective that they may not have otherwise been privy to. You can survey your classroom of students, your family at home or your employees at work. Review the results of the satisfaction survey and see where you can make improvements within the organizational structure of your office, classroom or house -- based on trends in your findings.

Interventions

• When you are really trying to get a handle on disruptive behavior, but it is becoming a challenge, an intervention is a behavior management project to explore. Interventions are when loved ones group together to confront an individual about his behaviors that are causing concern. These "confrontations" must use a supportive and loving approach, as the goal is to try to get the individual to agree to seek help for a serious problem.