Origins of behavior are; hiding behind the label: transform bid for power into inherent personality traits and changes in society that stress equality in relationships, rather than dominant-submissive roles. The exaltation of the individual and the emphasis on achieving personal power, as epitomized by the human potential movement.
There are two characteristics of power seeking behavior: active characteristics are tempered tantrums and verbal tantrums, student is disruptive and confront if in the passive characteristics are quiet noncompliance, students does his or her own thing; it often is pleasant and even agreeable.
The students legitimate needs for power behavior is personal autonomy. Needs freedom to feel and be in charge of themselves and their lives, to be able to make decisions based on what they think is best for them, or for distance between themselves and parents. The silver lining for a student who is misbehaving to seek power is that the student exhibits leadership potential, assertiveness, and independent thinking.
There are four principles of prevention with the power seeking behavior. The first is to allow voice and choice so students has options and feels heard. The second is grant legitimate power through hands joined discipline and decision-making. The third is to delegate responsibility so students feel since a responsible power and the fourth is to avoid and defuse confrontations.
Two intervention strategies are, acknowledge students power and agree with the student. Instead of fighting this losing battle, we can acknowledge the student power: "I can't make you do the math problems." When you give up control, the student has nothing to resist. Once the student's resistance has been lowered and the confrontation calm, we can use a consequence to influence them to choose more appropriate behavior. Agree with the student, this is one of the most effective fogging techniques. When students make insulting statements, the last response to expect from us is agreement. When we agree, students have no way to continue the confrontation.
