Points out that much research has shown that punishing incorrect behavior in children results in faster learning than does reinforcing correct behavior. Suggests nonphysical punishments for classroom use. (FL)

The usefulness of operant conditioning for the special physical educator in managing behavior problems is pointed out, and steps to follow in applying operant conditioning techniques are outlined. (SB)

Compared a peer model and professional model for teaching study skills to college freshmen. Subjects in both models significantly improved study skills relative to attention and waiting-list control groups. The peer model was as effective as the professional model in study-skills change. (Author/BEF)

Offers an explanation of the causes for student misbehavior and reviews the alternative approaches to classroom discipline. (WD)

A study examined the impact of a peer-mediated intervention consisting of songs and finger plays, attention to photographs of desired behavior, and peer verbal cues, on two preschoolers with developmental delays. The intervention resulted in increases in engaged and on-task behavior, interactive play, and appropriate participation in circle/story…

This review defines contingency contracting and describes its theoretical basis, examines empirical studies using contingency contracts to improve various school-related behaviors, discusses potential advantages and problems, provides recommendations to assist school personnel in effectively using contingency contracts, and suggests areas in need…

The personalized system of instruction (PSI) is characterized by mastery, specified objectives, self-pacing, small-step sequenced materials, repeated testing, immediate feedback, credit for success rather than penalty for errors, proctors, and lectures for motivation. Research indicating the effectiveness of PSI is cited, and problems with…

This paper outlines, and refutes, concerns about structured behavioral teaching methods for children with learning difficulties. Concerns addressed include overly heavy reliance on extrinsic rewards, emphasis on learning without understanding, failure to allow students to learn from their mistakes, teaching out of context, and little use of…

Offers techniques for teachers to become more acquainted with students and their different personality types. Lists factors that may contribute to why a child is difficult in class and discusses some of the different kinds of atmospheres that can be generated in order to make the classroom a more peaceful place. (CW)

This article explores the use of the high-probability request sequence to remediate the social and behavioral limitations of individuals with adaptive deficits. It outlines the research to date with the high-probability request sequence and proposes applications of this strategy to areas beyond compliance, such as stereotypic behaviors,…

We evaluated an enriched teaching program for reducing resistance and indices of unhappiness displayed by 3 individuals with profound multiple disabilities during teaching sessions. The program involved presentation of preferred activities before, during, and after each teaching session, discontinuation of identified nonpreferred activities, and a…

In this study, an autism support teacher used a high-probability request sequencing technique to help a middle-school student with autism engage in three transition behaviors. High probability request sequencing refers to a procedure in which 2 to 3 preferred questions, highly associated with compliance, are rapidly given before presenting a low…

Physical education instructors who teach high school or college walking/jogging/running classes, or who include walking or running as a segment of a wellness class, face a particular challenge in trying to meet each student's individual fitness needs while ensuring safety. This article provides strategies for effectively meeting individual needs…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an intervention involving reciprocal peer tutoring and self-graphing of reading data on the disruptive behavior, active responding, and reading fluency of students with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD). Four middle school students with EBD participated in this research. Results…

Children with autism often have difficulty successfully applying newly acquired skills to novel situations. Naturalistic teaching procedures have been developed to help address this problem with generalization. These naturalistic procedures promote generalization through the use of natural consequences, diverse training, and the incorporation of…