Seating arrangements are important classroom setting events because they have the potential to help prevent problem behaviours that decrease student attention and diminish available instructional time. The purpose of this synthesis of empirical literature is to determine which arrangements of desks best facilitate positive academic and behavioural…

A method for the direct and continuous observation of behavior as it occurs in the natural environment (classroom) is suggested as an alternative to individual testing and other observational techniques. The method (behavior rates) using a base of movements per minute is seen as increasing the information obtained per unit of assessment time and…

Learning of subject matter and acquisition of academically relevant skills are important goals in enhancing academic achievement in the classroom. The results of 22 experiments reviewed in this article support the validity of the academic performance targets but not classroom behavior targets. Some limitations on these conclusions are discussed.…

This research indicates that a peer group can decrease reinforcement of a disruptive behavior and thereby decelerate it in a singled-out child (Pinpointing Effect) or a behavior emitted by any child in class (Diffusion Effect) with equal effectiveness. (Author)

The Evaluations of Classroom Observations Project had three major purposes, all related to direct observation of classroom behavior. First, the project was meant to assess the effectiveness of a behavioral treatment program in furthering the acquisition of appropriate classroom participation skills by disruptive students. Second, the project was…

Functioning as a researcher, a second-grade teacher evaluated the effectiveness of puppetry in the reduction of student arguments and teacher intervention in those arguments. The teacher defined and observed the behaviors to be changed, designed and implemented the puppet intervention, and then observed the behaviors again, noting reductions in…

The generalizability theory approach to the estimation of reliability is outlined, and a design is developed in which systematic variations in behavior over differing situations are separated from random fluctuation. Three coefficients of reliability are proposed. (CK)

A base rate of deviant behavior was obtained for the eight most disruptive children in a third grade adjustment class. In a token reinforcement program, the children received teacher's ratings, which were exchangeable for reinforcers such as candy and trinkets. With the introduction of the token reinforcement program, an abrupt reduction in…

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Instructional Staff Development Program, Component VI, Developing/Modifying Student Affective Behaviors focuses upon some affective behaviors that promote and are considered vital to the inquiry process. Through teachers trained in the development of affective behaviors, this program has achieved changes…

Three categories of dependent variables used in classroom research were defined: (1) academic--behavior related to a specific academic area, achievement, or test performance; (2) deportmental--behavior related to classroom conduct, such as paying attention to teacher, whispering, and following instructions; and (3) other--including thumbsucking,…

During the spring of 1972 training workshops for 88 elementary and secondary teachers of the Great Neck Public Schools held to examine four hypotheses: 1) workshops in training teachers to observe classroom behavior would significantly increase these same teachers' positive classroom interactive behaviors consisting of teacher, pupil-pupil,…

This study investigated the behavioral responses of eight children to five alternate lesson types. Barker's assertion of the coercive nature of setting was examined. Questions addressed were: (1) Do children having the same or similar lessons behave asimilarly or differently? (2) Do children change their patterns of behavior as they move from one…

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of behavioral objectives and criterion evaluation upon the classroom progress of adolescents. Classroom behavior and academic achievement were examined within the experimental setting. In assessing the importance of this study, consideration was given to classroom behavior and achievement…

Recent years have witnessed an accumulating volume of research in the areas of classroom management, parent training, teacher training, and training of paraprofessionals. While much of this research has demonstrated significant results experimentally, many of these approaches have yet to be adopted as part of the counseling and personnel services…

Case study assessed effects of rearrangement of desks in an open classroom on incidents of disruptive behavior occurring in that classroom. Results revealed that alteration of the physical environment produced positive responses from students through reduction of maladaptive behavior occurrences. (Author/MH)