Understanding Behavioral Contracts in Education

Behavioral contracts are special agreements that help students take responsibility for their actions and improve their performance in school.

These contracts are made by both students and teachers together. They clearly list what is expected from the students in terms of behavior and schoolwork. The idea behind these contracts is to encourage good behavior through motivation, personal responsibility, and self-discipline. When used correctly, they can really help students get more involved and succeed in their studies.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Behavioral Contracts?

Behavioral contracts are based on some important ideas from behavioral psychology, which studies how we can change actions through clear rewards and consequences.

Here are the main steps to set up a behavioral contract:

1. Spotting the Behaviors: First, teachers decide which behaviors they want to help improve. This could mean coming to school on time, finishing homework, joining class discussions, or getting along better with classmates.

2. Setting Clear Goals: Next, specific goals are created. These goals should be clear and easy to measure, making it straightforward for students to understand what they need to achieve.

3. Defining Rewards and Consequences: The contract should explain what happens if the goals are met or not met. For example, if the student does well, they might get praise or rewards. If not, there might be some consequences, like extra time spent in study hall.

4. Checking Progress: It's important to keep an eye on how things are going. Teachers can regularly check how students are doing with their behaviors and note any changes.

5. Reviewing and Changing the Contract: The contract should be reviewed regularly to see if any adjustments need to be made. This helps ensure it still fits the student's needs.

Working Together for Success

Creating a behavioral contract is a team effort. When students have a say in their goals, they are more likely to feel motivated and responsible. This sense of ownership can lead to better performance.

Behavioral contracts have been successful in many schools, especially for students who struggle with motivation or attention. For instance, students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often do better with the structure provided by these contracts.

Here are some specific benefits:

• Clear Expectations: Contracts reduce confusion by making it clear what is expected, helping students understand how to succeed.

• Self-Monitoring Skills: Students learn to keep track of their own behavior, which teaches them about cause and effect—a skill important for life.

• Taking Responsibility: When they help create the contract, students are less likely to blame others if things don't go well. Instead, they develop resilience and a positive mindset.

• Better Relationships: Making a behavioral contract requires communication between students and teachers. This can build trust and encouragement, making students feel like their teacher believes in them.

A Real-Life Example

Imagine a student named Alex in high school who has trouble turning in homework on time. Traditional punishments haven’t worked, and his motivation is low. A behavioral contract could be created for him with these steps:

1. Target Behavior: Complete homework on time for a whole quarter.

2. Goals: Submit 90% of assignments on time over the next nine weeks.

3. Consequences:

   • If Alex meets the goal, he gets a 10-point bonus on his final grade.
   • If he doesn't meet the goal, he must attend study hall once a week to catch up.

4. Monitoring: They will have weekly meetings to discuss how he’s doing and what problems he might be facing.

5. Review: At the end of nine weeks, Alex and his teacher will look back at the contract to see if they need to change anything for the next quarter.

By having clear goals and consequences, Alex may feel more focused and responsible, leading to better performance.

Helping Behavior in the Classroom

Behavioral contracts can also help with social behaviors in class. For example, if a student is disruptive, the contract could include rules for respectful behavior towards teachers and classmates. This can help create a better environment for learning.

Different Needs, Different Approaches

Not all students are the same, so it’s important to adapt these contracts as needed. For example:

• Cultural Differences: Different backgrounds can affect how students see these contracts. Adapting the language and examples can help them relate better.

• Gradual Support: As students get better at handling their responsibilities, teachers can reduce the level of support, helping them become more independent.

• Parent Involvement: Getting parents involved can help reinforce the contract at home, providing a consistent message.

Some people worry that behavioral contracts may be too controlling. To avoid this, teachers need to find the right balance between giving structure and allowing students to have a say in their learning.

Final Thoughts

In summary, behavioral contracts can be powerful tools in education. When done right, they help students take responsibility for their actions and lead to better performance. They provide a clear and flexible guide that can be personalized for each student. By using behavioral contracts, students like Alex can have a more positive school experience, improve their accountability, and reach their academic goals. Behavioral contracts are a practical way to help all students develop positive behaviors and succeed in school.