The paper briefly explains operant conditioning as it pertains to special educators. Operant conditioning is thought to be an efficient method for modifying student behavior. Using the B. F. Skinner frame of reference, operant conditioning is said to include behavior modification and therapy, programed instruction, and computer assisted and…

This research paper generally relates psychology to teaching; specifically, behavior shaping to curriculum planning. Reports are cited that emphasize operant learning as a means of behavior modification. In this instance, the teacher provides a favorable learning situation and arranges environmental factors to increase or decrease the frequency of…

INTENDED FOR SPEECH THERAPISTS, THEACHERS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED, AND OTHERS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, THE COLLECTION CONTAINS REPORTS BY VARIOUS AUTHORS ON SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MODIFICATION ATTEMPTS THAT HAVE UTILIZED OPERANT CONDITIONING PROCEDURES, AS WELL AS SEVERAL PAPERS ON BACKGROUND TOPICS. BACKGROUND PAPERS ON TEACHING TREAT ENVIRONMENTAL…

Presented are 12 programed instruction exercises in writing letters of the alphabet, spelling words, addition, numeral-number association, subtraction, color words chart, answering basic questions about stories, sentences, paragraphs, and paragraph titles for elementary school children who demonstrate a learning disability and/or behavior problem.…

This IRCD Bulletin issue contains two papers. One, by Harold L. Cohen, summarizes two of his previously prepared papers in which he discusses his approach to learning behaviors. He describes the use of reinforcements as motivators for academic and social learning at a Federal correctional institution. Cohen states that "The design and use of…

This experiment involved training students in self-instruction (specifically, teaching them to verbally cue and instruct themselves through given assignments), as an alternative to the direct intervention method for increasing on-task behavior and decreasing disruptive behavior in the elementary school classroom. Assignment completion rather than…

A 4-year research project developed a preschool program for exceptional children unable to attend public school but not needing to be institutionalized on the basis of empirical behavioral principles. Children were referred from agencies and most had already unsuccessfully used special school services. The average age was 5-5 years, average IQ was…

Public offenders have special educational needs due to past histories of school failure, dropout, poverty, lack of home support, and an acquired aversion to formal education. Prison education programs, however, tend to follow traditional patterns of instruction. Educational or instructional technology deals with the problems of individualizing…

The text presents a collection of articles dealing with new research and developments relevant to special education. Discussions include automation, teaching machines, programed instruction, psycholinguistic testing, differential diagnosis, language development and testing, and remediation techniques. Other topics consider measurement of behavior,…

The report describes a 3-year project which utilized the techniques of experimental psychology and the principles of operant conditioning to gain in the understanding and treatment of autistic and schizophrenic children. Included are discussions of the autistic child, the project itself, arbitrary and natural reinforcement, the setting and…