Over the past 25 years, Gallup polls have consistently reported that disruptive behavior and discipline problems are some of the top concerns of school staff and community members. In fact, problems with classroom management are among the most common reasons that teachers leave their jobs. In response, many schools are turning to more formal…

Utilizing a behavioral approach to classroom management, this book provides effective methods for preventing and remediating student misbehaviors. These tested and proven management strategies are highlighted with actual case studies of behavior problems involving average and exceptional students from elementary and secondary settings. Teacher,…

The article defines punishment; describes types of punishers used with handicapped students (response cost, time out, overcorrection, contingent exercise, aversive conditioning); discusses the role of punishers; outlines policies and procedures; and gives guidelines for establishing priority levels of target behaviors and hierarchical levels of…

Discusses what may be considered aggressive behavior, what motivates aggressive students, and possible teacher responses to aggressive behavior. Describes four points on which teachers can focus to diminish the attractiveness of aggression and ensure that it is not rewarded. Identifies learning activities which provide aggressive students with the…

The effectiveness of students' modeling teacher behaviors as a means of bringing about desirable classroom decorum and skill achievement is discussed within the context of physical education classes. (JD)

The author asserts that students can get "hooked" on praise to the point that they limit their creativity and manipulate others in search of it. He notes that teachers too may use praise manipulatively. He suggests ways for kicking this habit, primarily through more objective reinforcement messages. Three educators respond. (SJL)

Educational leadership entails developing teacher behaviors that support student learning. This article outlines ways of achieving this goal through positive reinforcement. (Author/WD)

Ramifications of cheating include underqualified graduates and the probable continuation of unethical behavior into dental practice. Dental educators are encouraged to stress pride in professionalism, to reinforce positive student behaviors, and to administer swift punishment to violators. (DB)

This article describes how the author finds a tool for behavior management in the special education teacher's classroom. The author had just began teaching a self-contained special education class of five-year-olds with developmental delays when a student hit her. In the moment, she chose to ignore it. However, ignoring him was a mistake--he…

This position paper discusses aversive conditioning and other behavior reduction procedures. Environmental modification, differential reinforcement, timeout, overcorrection, and corporal punishment are discussed in terms of current applications, with arguments for and against their inclusion in behavior modification. Eight guidelines are offered…

This commentary on EC 603 646, a paper describing a natural reinforcement project of Communidad Los Horcones (Mexico), argues that natural reinforcement is best when the learning objective produces a natural reinforcer and when the natural reinforcer is more powerful than any competing punishers inherent in the task or reinforcers for competing…

Teachers would find their jobs easier if they had a set of positive statements to communicate classroom rules to students rather than the frequently used "Don't Rules.""Do Rules" are behavioral objectives for use in the area of classroom behaviors. They are most effective when they state exactly what is to be done in a…

This commentary on a paper (EC 603 646) describing a natural reinforcement project of Communidad Los Horcones (Mexico) notes that the original paper lacks auxiliary procedures for students whose behaviors are not controlled by described procedures, offers no guidance on curriculum structure, and fails to recognize potential opposition to such…

Argues the value of using the assertive discipline approach in the classroom, suggesting that in classrooms where teachers use this approach, students are happy, motivated, responsible learners. (RWB)

Questions whether assertive discipline techniques are responsive to the developmental needs of children or simply serve the convenience of adults.