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…

The development of the autoinstructional method of teaching is reviewed, including the underlying psychological principles. Various types of programs are described along with methods for writing them. (LBH)

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…

The study relates an attempt to prepare teachers of the mentally retarded regarding new teaching methods. Emphasis is placed on methods of learning rather than the careful diagnosis of the child's disability. Through the study, selective groups of special education master teachers (supervisory personnel with classroom experience) were trained in…

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…

The theory of and research on the application of operant procedures to the college classroom is reviewed. Practical limitations of these procedures and shortcomings of this research are discussed. Covered in this paper are: (1) theoretical foundations; (2) operant foundations in education; (3) research on programed instruction; (4) the…

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…

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…

THIS DOCUMENT IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES REPORTING ON PROGRESS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM IN SPEECH CONTROL. THE TOPICS DISCUSSED ARE--(1) THE DISCONTINUITY OF AUDITORY DISCRIMINATION LEARNING IN HUMAN ADULTS, (2) DISCRIMINATIVE CONTROL OF CONCURRENT RESPONSES--THE RELATIONS AMONG RESPONSE FREQUENCY, LATENCY, AND TOPOGRAPHY IN AUDITORY…