Provides parents, teachers, and counselors with innovative ways to deal with discipline problems and open up communication between child and adult. Innovations discussed include: (1) problem-ownership; (2) I-message; (3) active listening; and (4) brainstorming. Warns against placing labels on childrens' problems. Emphasizes use of positive…

Studied (N=40) educably mentally retarded students in an experimental group who were verbally praised after responses to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised). Scaled scores for five of eleven subtests, in addition to the Verbal, Performance and Full Scale indices, were significantly greater under the experimental procedure.…

Examines reinforcing characteristics of attachment agents such as mothers and blankets among 100 preschool-age children. The first study assesses preferences for these agents in two-choice situations, the second study examines the effectiveness of the agents as visual reinforcers, and the third study focuses on the reinforcing capacity of the…

Recognition of student talent without competition, exposure of teachers and students to new ideas, artist reinforcement of classroom teaching, and exposure to the artist as a real person are listed as tangible educational assets of the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival described in this article. (KC)

An elementary school principal explains how she promotes a positive working and learning environment in her school through written and verbal praise, open communications, and the sharing of ideas. (SJL)

The purpose of this study was to compare the measured locus of control of preschool and primary children to their observed behaviors in two educational circumstances requiring interactions with adults. The findings are discussed briefly. (Author/KC)

Suggests an approach to health education that addresses the innate human drive for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and to the inherent potential to learn behaviors that facilitate it. This approach involves parents and teachers, because children's behaviors are deeply influenced by them. (Author/BEF)

A study of the effects of teacher praise notes to parents on the academic performance of three second-grade students unable to complete their reading assignment seatwork is reported. Results showed a marked and enduring improvement in academic performance as a result of the treatment. (PHR)

The effects of a combination of aversive and positive contingencies on target behaviors were investigated. Results indicated that teachers were more willing to implement treatment schedules that incorporated aversive contingencies and did implement treatment effectively. (Author/GK)

English translations can be used to teach classical Chinese poetry to students above the intermediate level who have a limited vocabulary. To overcome this deficiency, and to bridge the gap between vernacular and literary Chinese, several texts are suggested. Examples are given to show the benefit of English translations. (PJM)

Reviews 13 books designed to remediate and reinforce the visual perceptual skills of learning-disabled children in the primary grades. The role of the librarian in selecting and suggesting appropriate books for such children is also briefly discussed. (BK)

The use of teacher praise contingent upon pupil correct responses was compared wih teacher modeling of words erred. The results clearly indicated that manipulation of reinforcement schedules was the more effective approach for the two Ss examined. (Author/DLS)

This study compared the relative efficacy of four short-term intervention techniques for modifying negative racial attitudes in White second- and fifth-grade school children. (CM)

Asserts that most persons use too little positive reinforcement in interpersonal dealings. Outlines and comments on a four-stage lesson plan (involving introduction, social interchange, discussion of experience, and summary/conclusion) which is designed to allow participants to experience how they use positive reinforcement in contacts with…

Self-reinforcement through positive or aversive covert imagery was studied in obesity treatment. Subjects were randomly assigned to no-imagery, self-punishment followed by self-reward, and self-reward followed by self-punishment conditions. Neither order nor kind of reinforcement made any difference. Both reinforcement groups were superior to…