Peer-Monitoring and Self-Monitoring: Alternatives to Traditional Teacher Management

A peer-monitoring procedure and a self-monitoring procedure were developed to decrease disruption and nonparticipation during the transition activities of a special kindergarten class. Ten children with behavior and/or learning problems attended the class. During peer-monitoring, children were assigned one of three teams and took turns serving as team captains. The team captains monitored each member of their team and awarded points at the end of each of four transition activities to team members and to themselves for following instructions. Following a substantial reduction in inappropriate behavior, the self-monitoring procedure was introduced. Children continued to be assigned to teams; however each child was responsible for awarding his or her own points at the end of the transition activities. Improvements achieved during the peer-monitoring procedure were maintained, for the most part, during the self-monitoring procedure. Results suggest that classroom management can be achieved through a carefully developed routine, in which clear instructions are paired with peer-managed or self-managed points for compliance with the routine.