This book contains a widely used method for structuring learning in a positive environment. The material is presented in a workshop format. Each unit should be read and worked on for one week; the teachers should then meet to exchange ideas. Unit 1 discusses behavior, and informs the reader that if he/she wants to influence a change in behavior,…

The goal of the investigation was to eliminate the disruptive, resistant and assaultive behaviors and increase the appropriate peer interaction of an economically disadvantaged kindergarten white boy. The treatment program involved presentation of adult (teacher) attention contingent upon desirable classroom behavior, withholding of attention…

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…

One hundred sixty-three experienced, knowledgeable, elementary and secondary teachers were asked to identify classroom management strategies they believed to be most crucial to their teaching effectiveness. In rank order, the eight most frequently selected managerial strategies were: (1) using positive reinforcement; (2) applying logical…

If educators are to bridge the black/white achievement gap, they must find a way to engage low-income and minority youth in academic learning. While ample evidence indicates that some teachers are highly effective in engaging students, the persistence of the achievement gap suggests that most are far less effective at engaging African American…

The study demonstrated that teacher verbal disapproval can function as a positive social reinforcement for student inappropriate behavior. Thus, student behaviors thought to be punished are instead maintained or increased. A more appropriate method of dealing with misbehavior is presented. (ST)

This study investigated the effects of four factors (threat, surveillance, sex of child and time) on obedience of children to adult requests. An adult told the subjects (48 4-year-old boys and girls) to carry marbles from one box to another. The adult either made no threat or threatened the child for possible disobedience, and either stayed in the…

Randomly selected students from two disruptive classes (n=28 and n=30) were subjected to a daily report card reinforcement system. The study employed a time series design. Results showed significant improvements in work and behavior of both sets of target students and positive 'spill-over' effects in one class. Concludes with recommendations for…

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…

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)…

To study mother-child interaction patterns in culturally disadvantaged and culturally advantaged families, verbal and nonverbal communications were observed, recorded, and analyzed both independently and collectively. Subjects were 10 Head Start children, 10 culturally advantaged children, and the mothers of both groups. Communications were…

A review of 31 research documents found 26 of them relevant to the topic of student discipline and motivation. Variables studied in the 26 documents include time-on-task, achievement, disruptions, student attitudes and self-concept, absenteeism, disciplinary referral, detention, suspension, and expulsion. Among the review's findings are that…

Classroom management is conceptualized as a set of teacher behaviors and activities that are directed at eliciting study involvement or engagement in classroom activities and preventing disruption. Research on classroom management and discipline is reviewed and integrated into a three phase model. The first phase occurs prior to the beginning of…

This practical booklet for teachers and parents describes methods for improving children's disciplinary training and successful performance at school and at home. Ten steps to achieving effective discipline are outlined: understanding effective discipline; determining needs and interests; setting goals and expectations; establishing guiding rules;…

This paper examines some of the aspects of compliance, its antecedents and consequences, that emerged from a sutdy of 136, 2 1/2 year-old boys. The investigation studied parent-child interaction by means of naturalistic home observation, ratings based on observation and interviews, and experimental procedures. Four compliance criterion measures,…