Antecedent Behavior Consequence in Alternative Learning System: ABC Charts and Model

Mayumi C. Acapulco

Here is a brief overview of the ABC model. A B C stands for antecedent behavior and Consequence. The ABC model is a three-part system used to understand why a behavior occurs. ABC charts are used to provide solid data and evidence to support behavior intervention plans and functional behavioral assessments. Arts are an essential part of a student for one of the main goals of applied behavior analysis is to understand the precise circumstances that lead to inappropriate student behavior. Identify the triggers for student behavior and that's what behavior analysis is all about. Understanding why the broad definition above describes the ABC model as a three-part system.

The first part: the A stands for the antecedent. The antecedent is what precedes or comes before the behavior? Next is the behavior itself. The behavior studied should be a disruptive action. And the third part is the consequence. That is what directly follows the behavior when conducting an ABC chart. It is very important to pay attention to the environment of the student as it often leads to inappropriate behavior. Student Behavior can be triggered based solely on the environment such as during a certain class period or around particular students right now.

I'm going to give you an example of an antecedent Behavior Consequence in play. Let's say that a classroom teacher just finished a lesson and wants to call a student to the board to do a particular problem in front of the classroom. The teacher asks the student to do the problem on the board, but the student refuses. The teacher presses the issue and the student follows up by cursing out the teacher. The teacher then sends the student to his social worker or case manager. Now analyze this situation. First, the teacher asked the student to do a problem on the board. That was the antecedent. Next, the student cursed at the teacher. That was the wrong behavior. And lastly, the student was sent to the student study team. That was the consequence of cursing at the teacher. All this information should be provided in an ABC chart with the ABC model.

You are looking to collect data in an organized and meaningful way. It is important to provide dates times and incidents when collecting your data with applied Behavior. The more data collected the better. Be sure to get a record of all the details as well as get the details of the student's environment. One environment may affect a student's behavior whereas another environment may not in the example given. It is reasonable to suggest that the student cursed out the teacher because he didn't want to be embarrassed.

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The author is Teacher III/ALS Mobile Teacher at Ramos Central Elementary

School, Ramos District