Behavior Momentum Defined

Behavior momentum is defined as the utilization of a series of preferred behaviors to increase the probability that non-preferred behaviors will occur (Lee, Belfiore, & Budin, 2008). A series of brief preferred tasks that are likely to result in compliance are presented just prior to tasks with a low probability of compliance. The student gains momentum for success and completes the difficult task.

The intervention is more effective when educators deliver praise after the compliance of the high-probability or preferred tasks (Lee, 2005).

The teacher must identify the high-probability tasks and requests—they should be short in duration, requiring less ...