Self Monitoring
Why should I do it:
Promotes independent and responsible behaviors
Promotes independence and self esteem
Increases coping ability
Improves on task behaviors
Increases productivity
Improves self awareness and reflection
When should I do it:
When students have poor attention, focus, and impulse control
When students are disorganized, scattered, etc
When students have trouble being prepared, forgetting materials, homework, etc
When students are overly talkative or social
When students exhibit chronic or compulsive behaviors, like tapping, making sounds, etc
When students demonstrate other off task behaviors or difficulties attending
How do I do it:
There are many ways to implement a self monitoring system or intervention with students, but basically, the technique involves sitting down with the student, defining the behavior(s) to address, and choosing and implementing an intervention or system by which the student can keep track of their own behavior and progress toward the behavioral or other goal
The self monitoring interventions may include visual cues, like pictures, gestures, etc by which the student may be reminded to address the behavior indicated for intervention
Checklists and charts may be used by students to keep track of their behaviors
Indicators, where the student, when they see or hear something, know they need to address the behavior
Student may create notes to themselves
Students may look for triggers that cause the behaviors, avoiding these triggers or being aware they are present
Resources & Support for technique:
Using Self-Monitoring Strategies to Address Behavior and Academic Issues
Techniques for Unlearning Old Behaviors: Self-Monitoring
Teaching Students To Self Monitor Their Academic & Behavioral Performance.pdf
Designed For Teachers: How To Implement Self-Monitoring In The Classroom.pdf
Self Monitoring For Single Students & Groups Of Students