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Implementing
a Student Self-Management Program Marianne
Francone
Self-management refers
to the ability of individuals to take on responsibilities
for changing personal behaviors or acquiring skills.
It involves the personal systematic application
of strategies that result in the desired modifications
in one's behavior, or the acquisition and practice
of skills.
Self-management
has several values. First, it minimizes dependence
on reinforcement and encourages intrinsic reward.
The need for adult supervision is reduced and
student empowerment is increased. Self-management
leads to long-term behavioral and academic success.
In order to
implement a self-management program, a desired
behavior or academic skill must be selected,
described, and taught or modeled. The student
should participate in as much of the program
planning as possible. Proceed with the following
steps:
- Begin to
introduce self-management soon after the
behavior or skill has reached an acceptable
level with the teacher managing it.
- Specifically
define the behavior
or skill the student
will monitor and evaluate.
The teacher must explain
exactly what the recording
and evaluation process
will entail. Give examples
and non-examples of
the behavior or skill.
Role playing can be
a useful strategy.
- Design
a simple
means
of counting
and recording
the behavior
or skill.
- Set
time
limits.
Predetermine
periods
of
10,
15,
or
30
minutes
during
which
the
student
will
count
and
record
behavior.
As
the
student
becomes
more
proficient,
increase
the
time
period.
- Check
the
student's
accuracy
on
a
random
basis.
Rewards
should
be
built-in
for
students
who
are
counting
and
recording
their
behavior
or
skill
accurately.
- Give
the
student
ample
opportunity
to
practice
the
process
of
self-management.
Provide
positive
and
corrective
feedback.
*Resource: The
Tough Kid Book Sopris West Publishers
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