How are you adjusting reinforcement to reduce the student’s asking or divulging of personal information?
In cases when a student consistently divulges personal information, this may be his attempt to seek social interaction. For these students who are motivated by engaging with you, be sure not to reinforce the inappropriate sharing of information by responding in an emotional or social way to the divulged information. Instead, clearly and neutrally identify why you are not engaging with the student by clearly labeling the inappropriate behavior, as well as offering a suggested replacement (e.g. “Your mother’s salary is private personal information that you should not share with me in class. You can talk to your parents about her salary. I will not talk to you about private personal information. However, here is a list of topics that we can discuss.”)
What are some reinforcing consequences you can deliver either immediately following the desired behavior or following a practice session– things that this particular student enjoys, wants, seeks out, etc.?
Your labeling of the proper ‘asking’ and ‘divulging’ behaviors and social praise of the student’s efforts is very important. Be specific and detailed in your labeling and praise.
Are you using labeling and social praise to make the contingency between desired behavior and reinforcing consequence clear to the student?
What reinforcing consequences can you arrange that are more naturally or intrinsically connected to this targeted behavior?
For the student who is socially motivated, work to emphasize the natural social consequences – when I ask and divulge appropriate information, this person is more likely to want to keep talking to me, and will be more likely to want to talk with me again in the future.