Reviews research on the effects of repeated experiences of helplessness and on locus of control. Identifies conditions necessary for overcoming learned helplessness; i.e., the potential for learning to occur; consistent reinforcement; relevant, valued reinforcers; and favorable psychological situation. Recommends eight ways for teachers to…

Students with learning disabilities tend to hold an external locus of control for success but an internal locus of control for failure. Attribution feedback, combined with particular task strategies, can lead children to persist longer, acquire adaptive attributions, and make greater academic achievement gains. Attribution instruction can be…

This study determined the effects of using truant and tardy junior high school learning-disabled students as tutors for younger learning-disabled pupils. After six weeks of tutoring, most of the 16 tutors showed a significant increase toward an internal orientation of locus of control and a decrease in truant/tardy behaviors. (Author/JDD)