Behavioral momentum is a concept in psychology that refers to the tendency of behavior to persist following an initial, high-probability request or activity. In education, this principle can be a powerful tool for teachers, especially when working with special education students.
By leveraging the idea of behavioral momentum, teachers can set the stage for success and help students achieve their learning goals more effectively.
What is Behavioral Momentum?
Behavioral momentum is based on the idea that engaging in tasks or activities that are relatively easy or enjoyable can increase the likelihood of engaging in more challenging or less preferred tasks. In other words, starting with tasks that students find easy or enjoyable can build momentum and make it easier for them to tackle more difficult tasks later on.
I like to think of it as a snowball that gets bigger as it rolls down a hill. You start with a small amount of momentum as the snowball begins to roll, and it might even take some extra effort to make it start moving. Then, as it grows, it becomes easier to roll and gets larger. If you stop rolling or hit a roadblock, getting that momentum going again can be tricky without encouragement and assistance.
Our students are the same way. Getting them going with a lesson might take a bit, but if we make it fun and provide opportunities for immediate success, it encourages them to keep going and try more challenging or new tasks. It’s almost impossible to get them to jump right into learning something new without knowing they can be successful. We have to build up their momentum of confidence in their abilities and performance.
Why Practice Behavioral Momentum?
Practicing behavioral momentum in the classroom offers several benefits for both special ed and general ed students. By starting with tasks that students find manageable or interesting, teachers can help build their confidence and motivation. This can lead to increased engagement, improved focus, and, ultimately, better learning outcomes.
For special ed students who may face additional challenges in the classroom, practicing behavioral momentum can be particularly beneficial. It can help reduce frustration, increase participation, and create a positive learning environment that supports their individual needs.
Practical Examples for Teachers
Here are some practical examples of how special ed and general ed teachers can use the idea of behavioral momentum to help their special ed students succeed:
- Task Sequencing: Start a lesson with short, easy tasks before moving on to more complex assignments. This can help students build confidence and momentum as they progress through the lesson.
- Use of Visual Aids: Incorporate visual aids, such as charts or diagrams, to break down tasks into smaller steps. This can make tasks more manageable and increase students’ likelihood of success.
- Offer Choices: Allow students to choose between different tasks or activities to increase their sense of autonomy and motivation. This can help build momentum by giving students a sense of control over their learning.
- Positive Reinforcement: Provide frequent praise and rewards for completing tasks, especially early on in the learning process. This can help reinforce positive behaviors and encourage students to continue making progress.
What Behavioral Momentum Might Look Like During a Math Lesson
When teaching a math lesson using the concept of behavioral momentum, you could start by introducing a familiar and engaging math concept that your students enjoy or find easy. For example, you might begin the lesson by reviewing basic addition facts through a fun and interactive game. This initial activity serves as a high-probability request to build momentum. Meaning, it helps get the momentum started.
After successfully completing the addition game and establishing a positive momentum, you can gradually transition to more challenging math problems, such as subtraction or multiplication. By leveraging the students’ confidence and engagement from the initial addition activity, they are more likely to tackle these more challenging tasks with enthusiasm and motivation.
Throughout the lesson, provide support, positive reinforcement, and visual aids to help break down complex math problems into smaller, manageable steps. By gradually increasing the challenges and providing support along the way, you can effectively apply the principles of behavioral momentum to help special ed students succeed in their math lessons.
By incorporating these strategies and being mindful of the principles of behavioral momentum, teachers can create a supportive learning environment that promotes success for all students, including those with special educational needs.
