Interventions for Behavioral Challenges in Virtual Learning

Andrew is a child with autism learning in a virtual environment who struggles with verbal communication, and he occasionally hits himself during lessons. After observing and collecting data about Andrew’s behavior, the teacher suspects that Andrew’s purpose for hitting himself is escape. What is an appropriate intervention for Andrew’s behavior?

• Ignoring the behavior until it stops

• Providing frequent breaks and using a visual schedule to help him anticipate transitions

• Increasing the difficulty of tasks to challenge him

• Using physical restraints to prevent self-harm

Samantha often avoids classwork by saying she feels sick. After collecting data, the teacher believes this behavior is to gain attention. What is an appropriate intervention for Samantha’s behavior?

• Sending her to the nurse every time she says she feels sick

• Giving her special privileges when she completes her work

• Ignoring her complaints and continuing with class

• Providing positive reinforcement for staying on task and participating

Marcus frequently disrupts his virtual class by making loud noises and interrupting others. The teacher determines he seeks sensory input. What is an appropriate intervention for Marcus’s behavior?

• Providing sensory tools, like stress balls or fidget toys, to use during lessons

• Removing him from the virtual class whenever he makes noise

• Increasing his workload to keep him busy

• Ignoring the behavior and hoping it will stop

Lily frequently refuses to log into her virtual classroom, saying she finds it boring. The teacher suspects her behavior is due to lack of interest. What is an appropriate intervention for Lily’s behavior?

• Adding more engaging and interactive activities to the lessons

• Reducing the amount of screen time required

• Sending her to the principal for not participating

• Ignoring her complaints and insisting she logs in

Ethan has difficulty staying focused during virtual lessons and often wanders away from his computer. The teacher suspects his behavior is due to a need for movement. What is an appropriate intervention for Ethan’s behavior?

• Increasing the length of lessons

• Restricting his ability to move by having him sit in one spot

• Incorporating movement breaks into the schedule

• Ignoring his need for movement

Sophia becomes upset and cries when she doesn’t understand an assignment during her virtual class. The teacher believes she is experiencing frustration. What is an appropriate intervention for Sophia’s behavior?

• Ignoring her tears and insisting she complete the work

• Providing additional instructions and support to help her understand the assignment

• Giving her less challenging assignments

• Asking her parents to complete the work for her

James often turns off his camera during virtual class, which the teacher suspects is due to self-consciousness. What is an appropriate intervention for James’s behavior?

• Allowing him to participate with the camera off while encouraging him to gradually use it

• Insisting he keeps his camera on at all times

• Ignoring his camera usage

• Reducing his participation requirements

Ella frequently interrupts the teacher during virtual lessons to ask off-topic questions. The teacher believes she is seeking attention. What is an appropriate intervention for Ella’s behavior?

• Punishing her for interrupting

• Ignoring her questions altogether

• Allowing her to ask as many questions as she wants

• Setting specific times for questions and using a visual cue to remind her

Noah often appears disengaged and distracted during virtual lessons. The teacher suspects he needs more engaging content. What is an appropriate intervention for Noah’s behavior?

• Extending the lesson duration to cover more material

• Incorporating interactive activities and multimedia into lessons

• Reducing his screen time

• Ignoring his lack of engagement

Emma struggles to keep up with the pace of virtual lessons and often gets frustrated. The teacher believes she needs additional support. What is an appropriate intervention for Emma’s behavior?

• Providing her with additional resources and one-on-one support

• Increasing the lesson speed to challenge her

• Ignoring her frustration

• Reducing the lesson content