Method of treatment of self-injurious behaviors for three severely retarded students (ages six-seven) was selected by matching one of three hypotheses (self-stimulation, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement) to a judgment concerning cause. Results supported the argument that treatment programs should be based on a functional analysis of…

The study investigated the effects of a self-instructional training package on the on-task behavior of four adults with mental retardation employed in a sheltered workshop. On-task behavior increased substantially across all subjects following the training and the behavior generalized from the training setting to the actual work environment.…

Emphasizes that to understand the American West, one must realize the central importance of the environment to its inhabitants. Provides an overview of western environmental history. Discusses state and federal reclamation efforts, the role of public lands, and the growth of conservation and preservation movements. (KO)

Findings from case studies of two second grade teachers who participated in an alternative Masters of Education program are reported. Each teacher entered the program with different educational philosophies and teaching practices. The studies traced the changes which emerged in the teachers' beliefs and practices. (IAH)

Describes a case study exploring the personal change process of one science teacher, examining the tools used for describing and changing practices and investigating how the change experience fit into the context of his life at school. Indicates that both cognitive and cultural dissonance make even individually desired change a difficult process…

Middle school educators can help prevent violence with a three-step approach: ensuring an orderly and attractive physical environment, a safe social environment, and clear expectations for student behavior. Students can be taught how to constructively manage their own anger. School safety begins before conflict begins and should continue through…

Focuses on methods of teaching toileting and independent eating skills to children with disabilities. Methods for teaching toileting skills include timed toileting, scheduled toileting, and the rapid technique. Methods for teaching self-feeding include systematic instruction, positioning techniques, and adaptive modifications. Notes that both…

Six adults with both autism and moderate/profound mental retardation were assessed in a controlled environment for changes in frequency of maladaptive and stereotypic behaviors following nonexercise activities, general motor training activities, and aerobic exercise. Although antecedent aerobic exercise reduced undesirable behaviors, general motor…

Review of claims for the effectiveness of the gentle teaching philosophy with people having severe problem behaviors and mental retardation finds that the methods were unsuccessful with seven of nine individuals. Although more research is needed, the review suggests that gentle teaching cannot be considered an ethically defensible treatment…

Examines long-term treatment of sexually abusive adolescent boys in secure conditions. Argues that, if treatment is to be successful, consideration must be given to factors which hinder treatment process: number and severity of clinical and behavioral problems presented by client group; resistance to treatment; difficulty of generalizing…

A two-year professional development program in a Japanese junior high school is described. Schoolwide training institutes and individual practice sessions focused on behavioral methods of instruction according to a direct instruction model. Observed teaching behaviors changed following the program, and most teachers indicated the direct…

This study examined stages of drug habit acquisition and change among college students, basing the proposed stages of drug use on the Multi-Component Motivational Stages prevention model. Surveys indicated the model helped explain the stages of substance use. The proportion of youths at each stage differed by type of drug. (SM)

College students who did and did not attend an AIDS peer education program completed preprogram and postprogram surveys to determine their AIDS-related attitudes and behavior. Data analysis indicated students who attended the program were more likely to engage in preventive behaviors including condom use and HIV-antibody testing. (SM)

This pretest/posttest study used two samples of injecting drug users (184 from street outreach and 103 from a methadone program) to assess drug use and human immunodeficiency virus risk practices. The improvement in risk behaviors at posttest suggests that intervention programs were agents of change. (SLD)

Six undergraduate and three graduate classes (300 students) were given multiple-choice tests twice with subsequent evaluation of answer changes. Results indicate that, although instruction leads to a change in attitude in answer changing, the number of changes and overall gain due to changing do not change. (SLD)