Considerations Before Implementing Punishment-Based Procedures in the Classroom

Students sometimes engage in challenging behaviors that require teachers to select and design appropriate behavior management interventions. Teachers may choose from various evidence-based intervention strategies when addressing students’ challenging behaviors. Reinforcement-based strategies are preferred due to their desirable long-term outcomes. However, teachers may (intentionally or unintentionally) select punishment-based interventions as a quick option to reduce challenging behaviors. Because of the undesirable effects sometimes observed with punishment-based interventions, it is critical that teachers only choose them when warranted and subsequently implement them ethically. This article provides teachers with 11 questions to consider when selecting an effective, efficient, and least-restrictive behavior change intervention.