This learning module, which is intended for use in in-service training for vocational rehabilitation counselors, deals with methods of increasing client behaviors that do not occur often or fast enough. The following topics are discussed: basic approaches to increasing the extent and frequency of desired behaviors; ways of changing environment;…

Secondary students (n=110) with disabilities rated 90 potential reinforcers. Results indicated that, although student preferences represent a range of reinforcers within existing reinforcement hierarchies, the sample group tended to prefer less intrusive higher level reinforcers, with the overwhelming majority preferring academic or activity…

The effects of teacher praise, ignoring, time-out, and parental contingencies on the number of inappropriate behaviors of two mentally handicapped (IQ's 55 and 51) male students ages seven and nine were investigated in a one-year study. Both students reduced inappropriate noise and behavior, and the frequency of inappropriate behavior remained…

This publication provides practical, step-by-step guidance for teachers on becoming more effective in classroom management by using a positive and constructive, rather than negative and punitive, approach to foster prosocial student behavior. The publication is divided into an introduction and three parts. The Introduction examines why effective…

A social and academic change program was designed for an 11-year-old educable mentally retarded female with Downs Syndrome. Noncompliant behavior was modified through systematic and consecutive manipulations of two reinforcement systems. Responding to teacher requests within 5 seconds was reinforced within the context of math instruction in order…

Play, game, and sport contribute to the socialization of the child and help to restrict individual expression and potential to socially acceptable roles. What is needed is a move from traditional regimentation to more freedom in choice and more focus upon intrinsic rewards available in sports participation. (MJB)

This monograph provides a variety of positively focused techniques for effectively managing behaviors of students with emotional/behavioral disorders in the classroom. Each section focuses on a specific behavior management technique and includes a brief description of the technique, an explanation of why the particular technique works, conditions…

Lists advantages and disadvantages of the token economy system as a behavior control tactic. Discusses ethical issues relating to the use of behavior modification techniques in the classroom. (SK)

Six four-year-olds were subjects in two experiments on correspondence training procedures with toy play behaviors. The experiments found that presence or absence of children's verbalizations exerted no influence on play with target toys, and that children were less likely to engage in target behaviors when no antecedent experimenter verbalization…

Experiences in using positive reinforcement while teaching on an Indian reservation are presented for teachers and administrators. Several "positive reinforcers," intended to prevent potential discipline problems from occurring, are described, including student involvement in deciding on classroom rules, election of classroom officers, class…

A method of evaluating bilingual-bicultural education programs that has a sociolinguistic basis uses samples of the language spoken by a number of bilingual program students as they go through their school day. A random sample of the child's speech would be continuously recorded for an hour, with a bilingual observer taking running notes on where…

The effectiveness of tangible and social reinforcement with and without positive practice on the remediation of letter reversals in a 20-year-old severely retarded male was investigated. Tangible reinforcement plus positive practice increased accuracy of letter recognition which was generalized and maintained seven and ten months after training.…

This booklet presents information designed to help teachers and parents of preschool children establish desirable behaviors and eliminate inappropriate behaviors. Several terms relating to behavior management are defined. Three types of behavior which must be discriminated, and appropriate responses to these types of behavior, are listed: (1)…

Three experiments, involving five students (aged 13-20) with profound, multiple handicaps, showed that the students could effectively use microswitches to demonstrate toy preferences, to indicate preferences for social attention, and to make specific requests of educational staff in school and community settings. (Author/JDD)

Reviews introductory sociology texts from 1950-89. Reports that heterosexual biases are embedded in sociology as taught. Argues that goals of sociology texts should include the recognition and exploration of difference rather than the homogenization of sexuality. Concludes that, although introductory sociology texts have made advances in…