What techniques can Ms. Rollison use to manage the disruptive and non-compliant behaviors of students like Patrick and Tameka?

Page 8: Substituting Behaviors Using Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)

One way to address a problem behavior is to substitute and then reinforce another behavior.

Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) is a procedure in which the teacher would identify a behavior that’s incompatible with, or cannot occur at the same time as, the problem behavior. The focus is on replacing negative behaviors with positive behaviors. For example, a student cannot at the same time:

• Sit in a desk and wander around the classroom
• Be verbally aggressive toward a peer and give that peer a compliment

In these instances, sitting at the desk and complimenting a peer are examples of positive, incompatible behaviors that can replace the inappropriate behaviors of wandering around the classroom or being verbally aggressive.

A DRI procedure allows the teacher to identify a pro-social or appropriate behavior in which the student should be engaging and also prevents the student from engaging in a problem behavior identified by the teacher as troublesome. DRI delivers reinforcement to that positive, incompatible behavior.

As they develop this procedure, teachers may want to take note of the types of reinforcement the student inadvertently receives by engaging in the problem behavior. For example, a student who acts out and gets sent out of class is reinforced by not having to complete his or her work. A student who clowns around and jokes in class is reinforced with the attention of peers. Once a teacher recognizes other sources of reinforcement, these sources can be decreased or eliminated and replaced with reinforcement for the positive, incompatible behavior.

Using DRI with Patrick

Now that she has helped Patrick reduce both his rude comments and calling-out behaviors, Ms. Rollison decides that she wants to focus on his out-of-seat behavior. With Ms. Thibodeaux’s help, Ms. Rollison works through the following DRI steps:

1. Identify a problem behavior that is occurring at a fairly frequent rate and collect baseline data if necessary.
   Out-of-seat behavior, occurs every six to seven minutes
2. Brainstorm alternative (incompatible) behaviors that will keep the student from engaging in the problem behavior.
   Working quietly at his desk
3. Determine and deliver reinforcement when the student is engaging in the alternate/ incompatible behavior.
   The smiles and head nods, similar to the other DR procedures, checkmark on chart for every eight minutes he can stay in his seat. Then increase that to 10, 14, 18, etc. When Patrick can maintain that level of on-task behavior for three days in a row, he has chosen to work for a longer-term reinforcer of free time again, but this time would like to have the free time with a friend.
4. Deliver appropriate consequence if the student engages in negative behavior.
   Head shake, reminder to remain in his seat, no checkmarks on chart