Chapter 16: The Use Of Levels To Adjudicate Behaviour
Chapter 16
The Use of Levels to Adjudicate Behaviour
Like all difficult endeavours behaviour modification is subjected to fashionable procedures, which take on mystical status only to fall from grace as another great idea, emerges. The use of levels was such a procedure but has lost its gloss. In this essay I will make the case for the use of ‘levels’ as a very effective technique but it must be done in a non-abusive manner.
The use of Levels systems is a popular form of behaviour control and management in institutions that deal with children who struggle with their behaviour. When used correctly it can be an effective tool in the improvement of children’s behaviour. When used incorrectly, Levels Systems can be in themselves a cruel form …show more content…
Learning can only be through trial and error and for them to assume a state where their habit is to act appropriately there will be a time when they have to think about how to behave. To pass through this phase of behaviour modification requires the child, and the arbitrator, to be in a calm state. When stressed they will revert to their existing habitual behaviour. In a group setting the arbitrator must be aware of their own behaviour as well as the behaviour of all other members of the group. This does not excuse inappropriate behaviour but it provides a major complication in the process of behaviour change.
The following issues for Levels systems arise:
• Others define what is offensive
• Where more than one person is in control of behaviour arbitration what defines appropriate can vary
• Individual arbitrators’ boundaries are not constant and on one day they will tolerate behaviour (because they are in a ‘good mood’) and on the next day they will ‘punish’ that behaviour
• Workers are tempted to tolerate mild misbehaviour either because they take the patronizing view that it is the best they can do or the worker fears any outburst from the child if they impose a
The Use of Levels to Adjudicate Behaviour
Like all difficult endeavours behaviour modification is subjected to fashionable procedures, which take on mystical status only to fall from grace as another great idea, emerges. The use of levels was such a procedure but has lost its gloss. In this essay I will make the case for the use of ‘levels’ as a very effective technique but it must be done in a non-abusive manner.
The use of Levels systems is a popular form of behaviour control and management in institutions that deal with children who struggle with their behaviour. When used correctly it can be an effective tool in the improvement of children’s behaviour. When used incorrectly, Levels Systems can be in themselves a cruel form …show more content…
Learning can only be through trial and error and for them to assume a state where their habit is to act appropriately there will be a time when they have to think about how to behave. To pass through this phase of behaviour modification requires the child, and the arbitrator, to be in a calm state. When stressed they will revert to their existing habitual behaviour. In a group setting the arbitrator must be aware of their own behaviour as well as the behaviour of all other members of the group. This does not excuse inappropriate behaviour but it provides a major complication in the process of behaviour change.
The following issues for Levels systems arise:
• Others define what is offensive
• Where more than one person is in control of behaviour arbitration what defines appropriate can vary
• Individual arbitrators’ boundaries are not constant and on one day they will tolerate behaviour (because they are in a ‘good mood’) and on the next day they will ‘punish’ that behaviour
• Workers are tempted to tolerate mild misbehaviour either because they take the patronizing view that it is the best they can do or the worker fears any outburst from the child if they impose a