In a study designed to improve vocational productivity in five moderately/severely retarded adults, reinforcement and self-monitoring were compared to self-monitoring with movement training (prompting the most efficient task performance movement). Four subjects responded minimally to trainer-initiated reinforcement or self-monitoring but showed…

This discussion of the use of microcomputers by mentally handicapped learners focuses on software availability and selection. Criteria for evaluating software are given, including considerations of visual display, reading level, program design, drill and practice opportunities, positive reinforcement, format variety, graphics, instructional…

Argues the value of using the assertive discipline approach in the classroom, suggesting that in classrooms where teachers use this approach, students are happy, motivated, responsible learners. (RWB)

Questions whether assertive discipline techniques are responsive to the developmental needs of children or simply serve the convenience of adults.

Experimentally increased positive social interactions between an isolate, White first grader and socially active, Indian first graders. The procedure involved three five-minute observation periods, and brief feedback. Results showed that the child's rate of positive social interaction increased and was maintained across a period of six months.…

A skeptical review of recent congressional task force recommendations for public school teachers, which include only a limited endorsement of merit pay and strong encouragement for sabbatical leave for teachers to study and travel abroad. (JBM)

Describes the efforts of a Maryland high school to strengthen its position in the community by means of public service radio messages, a "positive family contact" system that emphasizes positive reinforcement of student achievements, and a weekly newspaper column that acknowledges the contributions of "students, staff members and…

This book describes a set of instructional methods called student-directed learning strategies, which combine effective instructional strategies to promote student learning in inclusive environments with a means to promote and enhance active student involvement in learning. The first chapter identifies student-directed learning strategies and…

This paper discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated whether applying the discrete-trial approach is effective in teaching children with autism to learn functional and pre-academic skills. Participants were four young children with autism (ages 3-4) attending a preschool special education program of an urban public school. Discrete-trial…

This book provides K-12 teachers with concrete, step-by-step guidance on how to improve student behavior through positive classroom management. It explains how to take control of the classroom, offering an alternative to threats, rewards, and punishments. The book is divided into an introduction and three sections with seven chapters. The…

This study attempted to (1) expand the dichotomous classification scheme typically used by educators and researchers to describe teaching incentives and (2) offer administrators and teachers an alternative framework within which to develop incentive systems. Elementary, middle, and high school teachers in Ohio rated 10 commonly instituted teaching…

This action research project describes an intervention to increase attending and on-task behaviors in first- and second-grade students. The problem of inattentive behaviors was documented by means of teacher, student, and parent surveys and teacher observations. The intervention used behavioral management, organizational strategies, role playing,…

The mentally retarded child usually has a significant effect on his/her family, particularly on siblings, who need classes to learn how to cope with their situation and to share their feelings so positive attitudes can be fostered. (MH)

A study of the effects of reward structures on the ability of students to evaluate the correctness of their responses to open-ended questions in a computer-based instruction lesson found students' ability to evaluate responses was influenced by their incentive to achieve. In most cases, expert evaluators and students concurred. Order of item…

A school audit is described, based on the PeaceBuilders program, which helps to create a more peaceful school environment. A research-driven violence prevention program, PeaceBuilders has identified characteristics that help in creating this environment, such as common language, positive stories and behavior posters, daily rewards, group rewards,…