Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of a variety of approaches to supporting behavioural change, including: Behaviour modification, Adlerian Theory and Reality Therapy. The application of these approaches to child and youth care practice will be examined. Techniques used in observing, measuring and changing behaviour will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be placed on skills used in working with clients to develop new adaptive and socially acceptable behaviours.
Course Content
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- All behaviour is an attempt at communication and needs to be understood in relation to the individual demonstrating the behaviour.
- The goal of behaviour management is long-term adaptive change rather than immediate control.
- Effective behaviour management requires the practitioner to engage children and youth and their families with respect and humility.
- Behavioural interventions must be sensitive and and appropriate to the cultural context in which they occur.
Learning Activities
- Lecture
- Group Work
- Student Presentations
- Guest Speakers
- Audio-Visual Presentations
All methods of instruction apply to in class, hybrid and/or online modes of learning.
Means of Assessment
This course will conform to the Douglas College Evaluation Policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations.
Typical means of evaluation will include a combination of written research assignments, case evaluation, testing, and group presentations. This is a Graded Course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss the effects of difficult behaviour on the child/youth's ecologocal systems.
- Describe relational factors involved in the development of behaviour change strategies.
- Assess difficult behaviour within its context accurately and objectively.
- Examine various behaviour change models and apply those models in the development of behavioural change strategies.
- Evaluate the efficacy of designed behavioural change interventions.
- Apply a reflective practice model to assist practitioner self-awareness regarding personal reactions to difficult behaviours.
Textbook Materials
Course materials and/or textbooks approved by the department.