MODULE DESCRIPTION:

Self-management refers to strategies that a person uses to monitor their own behavior and make judgments about the appropriateness of their behavior. Self-management also includes strategies that one uses to alter his/her behavior, frequently to make a behavior less problematic and to replace it with a behavior that is more likely to be more productive. Self-monitoring involves procedures and strategies a person uses to keep track of their own behavior, which includes tools for counting and charting their own behavior. An important purpose of teaching self-management is to enable students to be more aware of their own behaviors, to govern reinforcers for their behavior, and be more independent and responsible.

The use of self-recording and charting has been shown to be effective for students with learning and attention difficulties (Vaughn, et al., 1997). Most students can benefit from self-management procedures and can learn to monitor their own academic performance. However, if a student’s functioning level is such that you cannot clarify the strategy or clearly explain how it works, the student might not be a good candidate for self-monitoring. Generally, self-management is an important goal for teachers of any grade or subject.

Self-monitoring and management can be implemented with individual students or entire groups. This strategy can be used to increase academic performance and work production. Some example behaviors that might be selected for self-monitoring and management might be units of work completed, correcting completed work, pages/words read, quality of handwriting, problems completed, assignments completed, reading rate, homework, desk neatness, class participation, etc. The strategy is important because it can reduce the need for adult supervision, is an effective behavioral change technique, and can lead to durable behavior change. This module will provide a basic course in designing and implementing procedures for effective self-monitoring and management. A 5-step process will be described for use in general or special education settings. Key topics highlighted in the module will include benefits to self-monitoring, steps for setting up and implementing a program, tips and other supports for strengthening self-monitoring programs along with specific ideas for teaching students to monitor and keep track of their academic behavior.

IPSB Instructional Proficiencies

Standard 2: Performances #3
Standard 3: Performances # 6
Standard 4: Performances #3, #5
Standard 5: Performances #1, #2, #3, #6, #7
Standard 6: Performances #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #7, #12
Standard 8: Performances #1, #2, #3, #4

INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES:

After completing the module, the individual will be able to:

1. Discuss reasons for using self-monitoring and management.
2. Describe procedures for effectively using self-monitoring and management.
3. Implement procedures for self-monitoring and management and evaluate the effectiveness.
4. Teach students to count, record, and manage one of their academic behaviors that need changing.
5. Summarize research-based information on the effective use of self-monitoring and management for academic behavior.

INSTRUCTIONAL EVENTS:

To complete this module, you will need to:

1. Study this module on self-monitoring and management,
2. Refer to other resources for additional information on the topics,
3. Complete the “Tasks for Completion and Discussion” included in this module,
4. Read and report on two pieces of literature (web or other) related to the effective use of self-monitoring and management.
    

Task for Completion and Discussion

 There are five “Task for Completion and Discussion” activities that you will be asked to respond to throughout this presentation.  These tasks will assist you by providing opportunities for deeper understanding, additional practice, and reflection on the content with others in your “discussion thread.”

 Module Index:

1. Why Use Self-Monitoring and Management?  (Task for Completion and Discussion #1)
    

2. Procedures and Steps for Developing a Self-Monitoring and Management Program.  Step 1: Select a Behavior  (Task for Completion and Discussion #2)
    

3. Step 2: Defining/Describing the Target Behavior (Task for Completion and Discussion #3)
    

4.  Step 3: Set a Goal; Step 4: Determine a Self-Counting and Recording Procedure (Task for Completion and Discussion #4)
    

5. Step 5: Implementing a Self-Monitoring and Management Program (Task for Completion and Discussion #5)
    

6. References