4 GOALS OF

MISBEHAVIOR
 - Believed that
all humans, as
social beings,
want to belong
and be
accepted by
others.
RUDOLF DREIKURS
- He constructed
the most
effective tool in
helping to
understand
children’s
behavior
1
GETTING
ATTENTION
“I belong only when I
am being noticed or
served.”
Behaviors: showing off, asking
irrelevant questions, being disruptive,
overly eager to please
Their Incorrect Assumption:  I must
have constant affirmation to prove my
worth.
They Make Their Teachers
Feel: Annoyed
 HOW TO RESPOND
• Ignore the negative behavior and but
be on the lookout, and give praise for
positive behavior.  
• Proximity control the teacher reduces
the physical distance between herself
and a student as a way to remind that
student of behavioral expectations..
• Physical restraint – transferring the
students’ seat
• Direct appeal - A direct verbal appeal to
the student to discontinue the misbehavior
• Signal interference – refers to any
kind of body language which
communicates to the students to not
misbehave.
2
EXERCISING
POWER
“I belong only when I
am in control or am
boss, or I am proving no
one can boss me!“
Behaviors: Arguing, throwing tantrums,
lying, being stubborn and disobedient
Their Incorrect Assumption: If I can’t get
the attention I want, I will seek control to
affirm my worth.
They Make Their Teachers
Feel: Threatened
How to Respond:
• Point out how the student’s behavior
may cause others to lose respect for
them.
• Suggest positive ways for the student
to be a leader.  
3
EXACTING
REVENGE
“I belong only by
hurting others as I feel
hurt. I cannot be
loved.”
 Exacting Revenge
Behavior: Getting even for perceived
injustices, destroying property, insulting
others publicly
Their Incorrect Assumption: I can’t get
attention or power in the group.  This is
unfair and I am justified in getting even.
They Make Their Teachers Feel: Hurt
Exacting Revenge
Revenge-seeking students hurt
others because they are hurt.
Causing them more pain only
provokes more revenge-seeking
behavior.  
Exacting Revenge
How to Respond:
• Offer understanding and assistance.
• Encourage other students not to
retaliate when the revenge-seeker
misbehaves.
• Give students a chance to  express
what has hurt them.  
4
Displaying
Inadequacy
“I belong only by
convincing others not to
expect anything from
me; I am unable; I am
helpless.”
 Exacting Revenge
Behavior: giving up, striving to be left alone,
avoiding participation
Their Incorrect Assumption: I can’t achieve
a sense of self-worth from attention, power-
seeking, or revenge.  I will retain the little
self-worth I feel by pushing others away and
avoiding any kind of public display.
Exacting Revenge
They Make Teachers Feel: Helpless
How to Respond:
• Remove competition and give the
student time to achieve at their own
speed.  
• Provide an abundance of support and
encouragement.  
Exacting Revenge
• Encourage higher performing peers
to accept the student displaying
inadequacy.
• Encourage any positive attempt no
matter how small.
Thank you for
listening!