To estimate the relative effects of three types and three combinations of feedback on children's discrimination learning, a meta-analysis was performed on the findings of 89 studies. In general, reward compared to punishment or to reward plus punishment is the least efficient method of feedback for teaching children discrimination materials.…

Studies addressing the efficacy of specific procedures for training teachers in behavior modification are reviewed. Didactic training is an ineffective method when used alone but may be a necessary component when used with other methods. Support was found for using role playing alone and combined with modeling, feedback, and reinforcement.…

Describes the extinction of demanding behaviors of a nine-year-old boy by placing responsibility for behavioral reinforcement directly under his own control. The therapist assumed that the behavioral pattern of the paranoid personality is characterized by an overdependence upon environmental reinforcers and therefore used the self-management…

This book about classroom management provides teachers with information on how to help students become the kind of people they want them to be. It offers a guide to the Responsive Classroom approach, a social and emotional learning program that creates an ideal environment for learning. Section 1, "Building a Learning Community,"…

Study results show that investment of time by a counselor in working with a teacher to help reduce disruptive classroom behaviors is time well spent. Not only is the teacher better able to cope with the specific behavior problem of the moment, but she has insights for future handling of classroom problems. (CJ)

This study, an approach to controlling "acting-out" behaviors of handicapped children in elementary schools, describes the use of a home-based dependent group contingency to eliminate the destructive behavior (fire-setting, vandalizing property) of a mildly retarded eight-year-old boy. (Author/PN)

The practices and philosophy of a teacher whose physical education classes include orthopedically handicapped students are described. Independent learning and a productive learning environment are emphasized through learning activities which involve children cognitively and affectively while they develop psychomotor skills. (PP)

An operant-based corrective reading program was established to study effectiveness of peer tutoring for 69 reading deficient second- to fourth-grade students who were matched on measures of initial reading ability and level of reading retardation and randomly assigned to three groups (peer tutoring only, peer tutoring with home based…

A rapid generalized motor imitation sequence was presented to five non-vocal children (ages 6-7) with autism before an opportunity to imitate a model's vocalizations. The presentation was faded by presenting an opportunity to vocally imitate without the sequence followed by an opportunity to independently mand. All participants began to vocalize.…

Presents two strategies for cultivating social skills and self-esteem in elementary physical education; recommends the gymnasium's informal atmosphere as ideal for addressing social skills. The first strategy involves selecting a most valuable person each day. The second strategy promotes recognition of positive student qualities and parent…

Two studies explored factors relating to children's willingness to perform tasks that are not traditional to their gender. More untraditional behavior was elicited with male than with female examiners. Mechanisms that may underlie this effect are discussed. (BC)

Assessed teachers' (n=89) acceptance of Good Behavior Game (GBG), interdependent group contingency. Found GBG as acceptable as positive reinforcement and response cost. Neither target children's ages, behavior problem severity, nor stated procedure rationale affected ratings. Found positive relationship between acceptability and use of positive…

Describes assessment and successful treatment of a preadolescent with erratic toileting behavior and related social skills difficulties. Treatment included monitoring of bowel movements, using a star chart, and applying rewards as positive reinforcement of acceptable behavior. (HTH)

Following an initial school inservice workshop on functional assessment and differential reinforcement procedures with five children having severe behavior problems, on-site technical assistance was provided to local school personnel working in transdisciplinary teams. Functional analysis was effective in identifying individual maintaining…

A study examined the effect of an observation-feedback intervention on the rate of a teacher's behavior-specific praise of nine elementary students with emotional and behavioral disorders and the effect of increased rates of behavior-specific praise on students' on-task behavior, which increased when behavior-specific praise increased and…