ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of behavior and class management in physical education settings; without proper classroom control, teachers cannot provide effective instruction owing to an excessive amount of time and energy being devoted to managing (or trying to manage) behavior. Therefore, a strong rationale for the implementation of evidence-based, effective, and efficient behavior management strategies by physical educators is provided. This chapter introduces the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), from which the principles of the behavior management strategies presented throughout the remainder of the book are derived, and includes a discussion on reinforcement and punishment, two of the foundational components of ABA. The ABA perspective on behavior management views the physical environment surrounding the student as the main influences on occurrences of misbehavior. Teachers can learn to discover these environmental influences and alter the classroom environment accordingly; this will result in positive behavior changes in the physical education classroom. ABA provides very practical and useful tools for physical educators.
