These days it seems as if nearly everyone in college is receiving A's, making the Dean's List, or graduating with honors. What is more interesting is that college students in general are spending fewer hours studying, while taking more remedial courses and fewer courses in mathematics, history, English, and foreign languages. Students everywhere…

Student ability and behaviors during small-group interaction as mediators of effective small-group learning were examined. Comparison of test results indicated that students trained in small-group interaction participated in more task-related interaction than control students, and task-related interaction enhanced achievement and retention.…

Examined management behaviors of junior high science teachers (N=16) and the relationship to task involvement of students operating in small group laboratory settings. Results of 91 observations indicate that teacher behavior was directed in three ways: whole class, small groups, and nonclass related. Implications for science instruction are…

The use of microcomputers for scheduling remedial reading classes in Newport (Rhode Island) schools has increased available instructional time. General guidelines are offered for using computers wisely. (MLF)

The Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study, using a behavioral approach, sought to identify classroom conditions and activities that foster student learning. A study that focuses on both affective and cognitive variables of the teaching-learning process is also needed. (CJ)

The use of reinforcement to reduce inappropriate behaviors of mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed students may involve the following procedures: differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL), the differential reinforcement of response omission (DRO), and the differential reinforcement of incompatible (DRI) or alternative…

Evaluated the effect of a response cost lottery procedure on the percentage of on-task behavior and accuracy of academic work of three fourth-grade students. Although contingencies were attached primarily to behavior, both on-task behavior and academic performance measures increased in treatment conditions. (Author)

Teacher expectations are a powerful factor in the attainment of basic skills. If teachers expect their students to attain basic skills, they are more likely to do so. If teachers do not expect students to do well, that expectation is often fulfilled. (Author/CM)

Discusses different preinstructional and instructional variables over which teachers have some control and which may affect learning, including content choice, wait time, time on task, form of instruction, success rate, monitoring, questioning, and orientation to academics. (DC)

Investigated the effects and efficiency of mandatory and optional note taking by undergraduate students (n=81) during computer-based instruction. The required note takers entered notes on every screen of the HyperCard lesson; this group scored significantly higher on the post-test and took significantly longer to complete the instruction than did…

The authors of a research article (EC 614 673) on the effects of self-recording on behavior change in students with mild disabilities reflect on the impetus for the study, why self-monitoring was preferred over other interventions, what was learned about self-monitoring, and what would be done differently if they were to repeat the study. (CR)

This study examined the effects of methylphenidate drug therapy and differential reinforcement on the disruptive behavior and task engagement of 3 children (ages 6 through 11) with mental retardation. Results indicated that both interventions were effective for two of the children. No evidence of an additive or synergistic effects of the two…

A study monitored the behaviors of three students (ages 7-9) with autism in inclusionary settings relative to paraprofessional proximity and classroom activity. Results are presented for on-task behavior, in-seat behavior, self-stimulatory responses, and inappropriate vocalizations. Data are also presented for interactions initiated by…

A review of 10 research articles on the use of auditory prompting systems with persons with moderate to severe disabilities found a functional relationship between the use of an audio prompt system and increased task performance. Results support the use of an audio prompt system as an effective intervention. (Contains references.) (CR)