The purpose of this study was to synthesize the literature in support of training teachers to use behavior-specific praise, which is a strategy used to reduce students' disruptive and off-task behavior as well as prevent students' problem behaviors from occurring. The results of 28 single-case studies examining the effectiveness of training…

As an increasing number of studies document the link between the development of student academic and social behavior, there is a growing need to create and evaluate interventions that address both types of skill development in school contexts. It is of particular importance to focus on interventions that improve the learning environment to…

Many authors recommend various praise to reprimand ratios for teachers to use to manage their classrooms (e.g., Flora, 2000; Nafpaktitis, Mayer, & Butterworth, 1985; Wheldall, 2005); however, these recommendations are based on correlational data or secondary findings from studies not directly manipulating the praise to reprimand ratio. The…

Describes a South Carolina elementary school principal's program for decreasing discipline referrals and creating a positive school environment. The Great Behavior program involves weekly drawings and prizes for well-behaved students and an end-of-school party and pie-throwing event. Following a first-year 47 percent reduction in discipline…

When positive reinforcement is used consistently, it encourages desirable or appropriate behavior, although modifying or extinguishing undesirable behavior. Descriptive reinforcement involves using the student's name, choosing the appropriate praise words, and describing what the student did to merit praise. A box contains 110 examples. (MLH)

Suggests that teachers need practice in differentiating their responses to student behavior in order that they may enhance the effectiveness of their responses. The author gives some alternatives to the use of praise and also examines four types of praise. (Author/HMV)

This study evaluated the effects of visual performance feedback (VPF) on teacher use of behavior-specific praise. In addition to receiving individual VPF, teachers participated in group consultation focused on increasing competence in the use of behavior-specific praise. Three general education elementary teachers and six students participated in…

Two experiments analyzed the single-alternative form of the matching law as a description of student behavior. Four students (ages 8-10) exhibiting off-task behavior were exposed to variable-interval schedules of social reinforcement contingent on academic engagement. Results provided evidence that subject behavior was under control of the…

This study evaluated the effects of covert positive reinforcement (CPR) on a nine-year old, third-grade student who was causing a classroom disturbance. There was an immediate improvement in three target behaviors following the implementation of CPR by the school psychologist. (Author)

The relative effects of positive reinforcement, response cost, and the two contingencies combined when used as contingencies for correct academic responses were compared on the dependent measures of accuracy of academic performance and level of on-task behavior. All three contingency systems increased academic performance and on-task behavior.…

The study sought to reduce physical contact among students in a special education classroom and to reduce inappropriate contact with classroom objects or materials. Four students, aged 7-9, who exhibited disruptive classroom behavior, were the subjects. During small-group mathematics instruction, three rules of discipline were explained to the…

An intervention program for the modification of classroom aggressive behavior is outlined. The primary components of this program are positive reinforcement, behavior rehearsal and modeling, and group activity procedures. (Author)

The article describes a program which decreased waste of food by giving elementary school children tokens good for special activities if they finished their lunches. (CD)

Describes how behavior management and a classroom guidance program were combined and implemented to help a fourth grade teacher gain control of her students in an inner-city school. (Author)

An elementary physical education teacher describes a successful behavior improvement program implemented at his school. Students earned points (tokens) for good behavior and physical education achievement. They lost points for inappropriate behavior. Donated prizes were awarded based on accumulated points. (IAH)