ECD 420 Decision making model

DECISION MAKING MODEL

Assignment 5.1Decision Making Model

Teresa PugaECD 420

Guidance in Social and Emotional Behavior

CD 52 Lemoore CenterSarah Chun

Fresno Pacific University

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Decision Making Model

The Decision Making model seems to be a great way to find a problem address

the problem and eventually solve the problem. There are wide ranges of problems that

children have some are minor problems and some are major problems. It is good to know

that this solution the decision making model can be used any problem big or small,

behavior or aggression, even if the problem is with the child or the instructor. Finding the

problem in the situation with either the instructor of the child does not seem like a

reprimand for the instructor but more of a teaching correction so that the instructor is

performing at the best of their ability. I know as an instructor it is difficult to find solution

to problems with children. Some instructors become frustrated and do the only thing that

they can think of at that moment, which may not be the best teaching strategy.

With the decision making model it is easy to find the problem, decide who has the

problem and a way to fix the problem. There are four steps to the decision making model

the first step is Observe- simply sit back and watch the child keeping a running record or

some kind of observational notes. In this step the instructor would also figure out what is

the problem, who’s problem is it, and examine the problem. The second step would be to

decide- in this step a decision would be made as to the course of action that should be

taken to help with the problem. The third step is Plan on taking action- this is simple the

action that is going to be taken to correct the problem not matter who the problem lies

with. Finally the fourth and last step would be to reflect- the instructor would look back

upon the problem situation and the action plan taken and observe any noticeable changes

in the problem behavior since the plan on taking action was implemented.

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How this decision making model would look like in a real life everyday

classroom with real child situations would be a simple example such as a child with anger

and attention problematic behaviors. A four year old child in a pre-school classroom with

17 other children is have trouble with controlling his anger and keeping his hands to

himself, the child also wants the teachers attention at all times. In this situation according

to the decision making model the teacher would first start by observing the child. The

instructor will be looking for the times of the day and the areas that the problem

situations are occurring. While observing the child the instructor will find the problem

such as this child is having anger outbursts and hitting his friends, he also is acting out to

receive attention from the teacher. The problem lies with the child, now we examine the

problem the child is craving adult attention so they may not be receiving attention at

home for some reason. This child may also not know how to control his emotions and use

his words with another child.

In the next step decide the instructor would decide what is the problem in this

situation and whom it lies with. Then the third step would be to establish a plan of action

for the behavior. With this child the instructor should perform activities with this child to

assist him with controlling his anger and relaxation methods when becoming angry. To

assist with the need for attention this child needs praise when he has completed a positive

accomplishment and shown the correct way of treating our friends and appropriate

behavior in the classroom setting.

Finally the third and final step would be to reflect on the child. Observe the child

to see if the plan of action has had any affect on the child’s behavior. If progress is being

made then continue with the plan if not the plan may need adjusting or a whole new plan

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put in place. I feel that as teachers we already do a lot of these steps, what I like from this

model is that it says to figure out who has the problem not just assuming the child every

time. Teachers are human and may not even notice the actions that they are performing.

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References

Marion, M. (2011). Guidance of Young Children (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

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