Suggestions for teachers who wish to increase academic learning time for learning-disabled students include: reducing transition time; shortening recess or free time; creating more teacher-led instructional groups; teaching more and testing less; increasing teacher questioning; increasing teacher enthusiasm; improving seatwork tasks; giving…

This study examined the effect of increasing the frequency of positive self-referent verbal statements upon both overt and reported self-esteem in children with adjustment problems. Subjects were boys in special schools. Results showed a significant difference in overt self-esteem, but not in other dependent variables. (LMO)

The music teacher must have regard for the self-concept of each student. Enthusiasm and positive encouragement yield the desired outcome more quickly than negativism. The way a teacher perceives himself or herself is also important. Teachers with positive self-concepts can more easily aid students build positive and realistic self-concepts. (RM)

This article describes methods for fine tuning instructor skills and other delivery mechanisms aimed at accelerating the learning process. These methods involve the use of association, elaboration, song, role play, loci, hooks, acrostics, guided imagery, relaxation, music, positive mind-setting (suggestology), emotions, early success, and…

Argues that systematic positive feedback techniques such as those currently used in industry can and should be adapted as a management technique in schools--between administrators and teachers and between teachers and students as well. (TE)

An anxiety desensitization method is presented which counters over-arousal through strenuous muscle stretch-tense, deep breath, release-relax and positive suggestion sequences; and uses positive adaptive images to replace negative cognitions and to promote confidence. The addition of the stretch-tense and positive images components are expected to…

B.F. Skinner applied his concept of operant conditioning to education. Skinner believed that people acted the way they did because they had been reinforced for behaving in a certain manner. His orientation to pedagogy was predicated upon the notion that a student's behavior could be modified by guiding the student through the learning process…

This booklet identifies and discusses methods and procedures to facilitate appropriate social interactions between children and youth with autism and classroom teachers and other school personnel. It is designed to provide information and techniques that are useful in developing social interaction programs. An overview of four approaches commonly…

This Digest summarizes what is known about the use of positive behavioral support (PBS) and functional analysis (FA) to change the behaviors of students with a variety of disabilities. The paper notes that both PBS and FA differ from traditional behavioral management in focusing on systems, settings, and lack of skill. The 1997 reauthorization of…

Guiding teachers in the development of the understanding of student behavior was the aim of this article in initiating a three stage training program in behavior analysis and modification techniques within the Title 111 schools of the Barstow Unified School District, Barstow, California. (Author/RK)

Disruptive children in an after-school remedial reading class were taught to match teachers' evaluations of their behavior in the context of a token reinforcement program. (Editor)

This article explains how teachers can use tact and diplomacy to minimize potential problems with parent-teacher conferences. A checklist of tips to help teachers prepare for conferences and conduct them positively is given, along with ideas for keeping in touch with parents the rest of the year. (PP)

Health risk appraisal tools, combined with an undergraduate health education course, appear to assist students in developing positive health behaviors. (CJ)