Explores the effects of positive and negative reinforcement in the classroom and the role of language in the "celebration of learning." (HTH)

The dynamics of success and praise are discussed. Guidelines designed to improve the chances of successful use are provided. A checklist of eight questions teachers can ask themselves about the use of praise is included. (MP)

Reviews research on teachers' praise in the classroom and proposes specific guidelines for helping teachers praise effectively. Time, concentrated attention, and individualization of remarks according to the student and the situation are considered crucial factors in praising effectively. (CM)

Teacher praise typically does not function as a reinforcer. Rather, it is reactive to and under the control of student behavior. Its effects must be understood using concepts from attribution and social learning/reinforcement theories. (Author/GK)

Draws from personal experiences in teaching a fourth-grade class in Canada to highlight the benefits for students of incorporating into the curriculum such playlike activities as shaping plasticine models, painting, cutting and pasting, and playing games. Identifies skills reinforced by particular activities and the benefits of the activities to…

A report is presented of the changes and developments in the relationship between an experienced elementary school teacher and the university supervisor assigned to observe and critique his classroom performance over a period of 15 weeks. Each kept a weekly journal of private thoughts and reactions during the course of the supervision. These…

Tells a story about a five-year-old boy and discovers through the telling how to be a better teacher. (MG)

Argues against the use of rewards for students. Discusses their origin in Skinner's behaviorism and their application in behavior modification in the classroom. Describes the problems with using rewards, as noted by Alfie Kohn and others, including the erosion of intrinsic motivation and the distortion of the focus of learning. Presents…

This paper provides an idea of how to improve computer-assisted instruction effectiveness by incorporating teachers' images and voices into computers. Efforts to increase students' motivations by improving computer-assisted instruction feedback systems through the use of arcade-style video games and animation have proven to be ineffective and…

In an excerpt from his new book, "Growing With Your Children," the author discusses the changing self-images--both positive and negative--children have of themselves and suggests that adults have a strong impact on children's self-images, and should look for strengths, rather than focusing on negatives. (KC)

Teachers and parents should seek effective ways of developing relationships with children to exert positive influence on their psychological, mental, and emotional health. The manner in which a child is treated or talked to by parents and teachers contributes to future abilities to cope, solve problems, engage in decision-making strategies,…

Drawing upon data collected during an investigation into the exclusion (suspension or expulsion) from school of primary age children due to behavioral problems, this paper provides an overview of findings from empirical research, but also considers the possibilities for prevention of primary school exclusion by using education service-based…

This monograph is designed to help educators develop a better understanding of children's self-concept, the effects of children's self-concept on their school experience, and ways educators can have a positive effect on self-concept. The first section defines self-concept and presents two case studies; the second discusses factors influencing the…

The single most important thing that a teacher can do for a student is to identify and label specifically what the child does right rather than what he or she does wrong. In an elementary school where students wrote every day and teachers marked every error, students began to write less, using simpler words and eliminating all meaningful writing.…

The failure of many beginning reading students to become efficient or enthusiastic readers is due to mistaken views of the reading process that cause teachers to stress isolated reading skills and error-free oral reading, rather than focusing on children's ability to read with understanding. Teachers who want to teach differently must take an…