State conditions and environmental variables were measured over a 5-hour period for 25 students (ages 3-21) with profound and multiple handicaps. Results showed the presence of state sequence patterns, short state change periods, and a relatively small amount of association between specific behavior states and environmental factors and events.…

A study investigated the effect of reward on sixth graders' self-correction inaccuracy and monitored the effect of improved self-correction on mathematics homework achievement. There was a low baseline rate of student self-correction inaccuracy. Offering a reward for improved accuracy caused the rate of inaccuracy to decrease significantly.…

The nature of the attitude-behavior relation was investigated through the use of structural equation models in a cross-lagged panel design involving 254 undergraduates reacting to 2 kinds of goal-directed behaviors. Results suggest that intentions, and to a lesser extent attitudes, are dependent on behavior and not the reverse. (SLD)

Toddlers may bite as a reaction to being forced to be part of a group. Toddlers communicate in a physical manner but do not always connect the social consequences with their actions. By analyzing the circumstances surrounding a biting incident, teachers can redirect the child's energy and avoid a situation where biting might occur. (PAM)

Presents a rebuttal to a previous article on tree climbing by Dr. Susan Aronson, who suggests that tree climbing in early childhood play yards be eliminated. Details the benefits of tree climbing and includes guidelines for safe and enjoyable tree climbing. (PAM)

Discusses a longitudinal study of changes in student misconduct cases and institutional response over 10 years, comparing the results of 2 identical national surveys. Concludes far more alcohol-related cases are reported today than previously. (Author/ABL)

For the past six years, the Baltimore City Public Schools and the Prevention Research Center at Johns Hopkins University have been working together on the Prevention Program, an unusual intervention strategy for identifying and remediating behavior patterns in the first grade that could lead to later problems with drugs, delinquency, and…

Researchers observed relationships between classroom behaviors and achievement among learning-disabled students involved in teacher-directed instruction (TDI) and independent seatwork. Results found a stronger relationship between academic-type classroom behaviors and achievement during TDI. Different types of classroom behaviors related to…

Surveys examined junior high schoolers' psychosocial characteristics and self-reports of deviant behavior, investigating links between self-derogation in school and academic failure mediated by a disposition to deviate from conventional expectations. Academic failure was in part motivated behavior that was an adaptation to previous self-devaluing…

Describes creative ways for teachers to handle difficult classroom discipline situations, focusing on how to deal with defiant disruptives, noncombatant noncompliers, and incessant interrupters. The article discusses potentially difficult situations and explains how best to handle them in a positive manner. (SM)

Creating classroom rules together can be a very meaningful experience for children and teachers and can help establish a positive sense of classroom community. Student participation in rule-making encourages active involvement, reflection, meaningful connections, respect for rules, a sense of community, problem solving through negotiation,…

Examined a subsample of students from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology to determine the extent to which an Ecological World View (EWV) has been adapted, an EWV related to environmental behavior, and the role education plays in the type of EWV adapted. Includes the Ecological World View Scale. (Contains 21 references.) (MDH)

Investigated the extent to which differences in problem-solving performance of stronger and weaker novices in physics arise from differences in amount of domain knowledge, in how domain knowledge is organized, and in the strategic application of domain knowledge. Differences were observed in how 10 university physics students solved easy and…

Presents approaches to help physical educators effectively manage their classes. The article notes the importance of explaining class procedures and routines, letting students help with routine administrative tasks, providing clear stop and start signals, establishing equipment procedures, modeling good behavior, understanding student behavior,…

Researchers used the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to examine the prevalence of health risk behaviors of students attending an alternative high school (AHS) and students attending a regular high school (RHS). More AHS than RHS students engaged in health risk behaviors and initiated risk behaviors at younger ages. (SM)