Functional Analysis

From WikEd

Contents 1 Descriptions, definitions, synonyms, organizer terms, types of 2 Application in classrooms and similar settings 3 Evidence of effectiveness 4 Critics and their rationale 5 Alternative explanations due to Diversity considerations 6 Signed �?life experiences�?, testimonies and stories 7 References and other links of interest

[edit] Descriptions, definitions, synonyms, organizer terms, types of

Also known as Applied Behavior Analysis.

A student is throwing herself on the floor screaming, " No, no, no!" This is not a single accident but a constant challenging behavior in the classroom. What does the child mean by her behavior? Is there anything she wants to communicate?

For teachers of preschoolers and kindergarteners, challenging behaviors is always an issue for classroom management. Since young chlidren have limited communication skills, their behaviors actually signal us their physical or psychological needs.

Funcational Analysis is a tool teachers can use to understand funcations or certain behaviors. Based on realized functions, teachers can make plans for changes. The tool bases on constant and detail observations along with classroom schedules. By looking at what,when,and who, we can try to figure out "why" does certain behavior occur.

Questions that can be answered by using functional analysis include the following (Alberto and Troutman, 2003): 1. Is there a pattern of behaviors or events that consistently precedes the behavior’s occurrence? 2. Is there a pattern of behaviors or events that consistently follows the behavior’s occurrence? 3. Are there alternative, appropriate behaviors that the student can be taught that will accomplish the same function as the inappropriate behavior?

[edit] Application in classrooms and similar settings

[edit] Evidence of effectiveness

[edit] Critics and their rationale

[edit] Alternative explanations due to Diversity considerations

[edit] Signed �?life experiences�?, testimonies and stories

[edit] References and other links of interest

References:

Alberto, P. & Troutman, A. C. (2003). Applied behavior analysis for teachers (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Young Exceptional Children, Monoggraph Series No.1: Practical Ideas fof Addressing Challenging Behaviors.

Other links of interest

Wikipedia: Functional Analysis

Functional Analysis of Behavior [1]