This study used a classroom interaction system to code three 20-minute episodes in each of 40 elementary classrooms. The procedure was followed in October and again in May. An analysis was made to investigate the relationships between aspects of teacher praise and student participation in classroom discussions. Findings indicated that (a) praise…

Behavior settings as control systems of behavior were investigated in two first grade classes in the Tucson Early Education Program (TEEM) experimental school. The two classrooms which served as the experimental units were observed during two behavior settings, individual choice and large group. The observation consisted of recording every 10…

This investigation sought to study the socioeconomically disadvantaged child and his levels of achievement as related to the control of positive and negative reinforcements, personality constructs, classroom behavior, and parental attitudes about classroom behavior and school achievement. The sample consisted of 50 matched pairs of eighth grade…

The primary aim of this book is to bring to the grade school teacher a survey of the most recent techniques and ideas of behavior modification which are applicable to good classroom management. All of the approaches and techniques presented could be of interest to teachers working at all grade levels. Since research has shown that the systematic…

Three studies were carried out to explore and evaluate alternative methods of meeting the objectives of a bilingual education project. The first study explored children's book usage behaviors and how these behaviors were influenced by the requirement to fill out book reports and a reward reinforcement. It was found (1) that fewer children sampled…

Externality (sense of powerlessness), as measured by Rotter's (1966) I-E scale, has been theoretically and empirically associated with low socioeconomic status and a history of insufficient reward. Recently, however, externality among white college students has been increasing. The present study sought to demonstrate the relationship of…

Elementary, secondary, and adult students taking private piano lessons were on task for at least 85 percent of the lesson time. Teachers gave frequent reinforcement for academic behavior. While approval/disapproval ratios were not as high as the recommended 80 percent approvals, no evidence of effects on student attentiveness was apparent. (RM)

Translates for the secondary teacher current learning theory research into educational program implications for the mentally retarded adolescent. Discusses adaptive behavior, effectance motivation, limited range of reinforcing events, external locus of control, and deficiencies in social discrimination. (Author/DC)

This investigation determined if a timer, token reinforcement, and consequences for on-task behavior could increase academic output as well as on-task behavior of an entire special education class. The technique was effective in increasing both on-task behavior and generalizing its effects to academic output even 5, 15, or 25 days later.…

Presents positive strategies to help teachers turn behavior problems in the classroom around. Suggestions include looking for the good rather than the bad, avoiding negative labels, seeking coaches and avoiding critics, and working with parents. A list of 10 steps to success are provided. (SM)

This paper describes research activities of the Positive Teaching Project, focusing on the nature of classroom behavior problems viewed by teachers as particularly troublesome, teachers' typical responses to classroom behavior, classroom behavior management strategies based on manipulation of antecedents and natural consequences, and training…

Describes what is meant by "positive behavioral support" (PBS) for students with challenging behavior, the value of exploring why a student exhibits challenging behavior, and certain key PBS strategies teachers can implement in their classrooms. Relevant resources for those interested in implementing PBS are provided. (Author/CR)

In this collection of annotated references on the subject of classroom management, preference was given to primary research studies or articles about such research, and, with the exception of a few fundamental articles, is limited to studies published in the last decade. Classroom management is defined as the maintenance of on-task behavior or the…

The book is intended to be used as a handbook by teachers, to enable them to become acquainted with the general principles and latest techniques which have proved effective in changing children's behavior. Topics include reinforcement systems, the token economy, evaluation, and curriculum. (CS)

Patterns of teacher and student verbal behavior within a framework of reinforcement theory were analyzed through the use of a modified form of the Observation Schedule and Record 4V (OScAR). The study examined the extent to which the rewarding teacher's classroom discourse served as a model for the verbal style of a student among his peers. Data…