The paper outlines the basic tactics in pro-active behavior management, a behavior modification approach for use with severely handicapped students which reorders the staff/student relationship by focusing on positive interaction. Pro-active behavior management is noted to involve interruption of established behavior chains, environmental…

Maintaining orderly behavior in the classroom has traditionally been one of the major problems of teachers. The three experiments described in this report were designed to discover whether behavior management procedures can effectively control the high levels of disruption manifested by older children, whether reducing the level of disruption will…

Through positive reinforcement of good eating habits, it is possible to help mentally retarded children lose weight and remain within the normal limits consistent with their age and body structure. (JD)

Thirty elementary school students were divided into four groups based on level of pretest approval and response strategy shown on a "probe" following treatment. The efficacy of a social stimulus was tested using a two-choice discrimination learning task in which every correct response was reinforced with the word "good." (Author/JMB)

Investigated the effects of prior provisions of social approval on the ensuing potency of a social approval stimulus as measured by a progressive-ratio test of social reinforcer efficacy. Subjects were four elementary school students. (Author/JMB)

Investigation of the reinforcing properties of vestibular stimulation with five multiply disabled severely retarded young children indicated that vestibular stimulation (10 seconds of swinging) was reinforcing to all subjects and was preferred (over food, praise, visual, and auditory stimulation) by four of the five children. (Author/DB)

Ten guidelines for effective use of positive reinforcement as a parenting technique are described. Practical examples are used to illustrate such principles as consistency, immediacy, and specificity in giving praise. A distinction is made between giving reinforcement and giving love. (JW)

Stresses the advantages of utilizing community members to develop a positive public relations image rather than simply as advisory groups in solving educational problems. (Author/RK)

Underachievers in a seventh grade class improve their reading levels through a program of individual pacing and immediate positive feedback. (MH)

The authors explain the use of tokens in improving childrens' motivation, productivity and the quality of their work in the classroom. (AA)