This study investigated whether affective reactions in achievement settings were related to self-esteem. Subjects were 308 undergraduate university students displaying affective reactions to various academic situations portrayed in short stories. Resulting biserial correlations indicate that affective reactions to success and failure were related…

This action research project evaluated a program for improving student discipline and developing a positive classroom environment. The targeted populations consisted of prekindergarten, first-, and fifth-grade students in two middle class suburbs of Chicago (Illinois). Changes in behavior were documented through behavior checklists, parental…

This report provides K-12 educators with instructional strategies that research shows have the greatest likelihood of positively affecting student learning. The 12 chapters include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Identifying Similarities and Differences (comparing, classifying, creating metaphors, and creating analogies); (3)…

Noting that the most common problem reported by adults in the early childhood educational setting or in the home is getting children to behave, this booklet presents ideas for teachers and parents to help them plan for changes in behavior. The booklet is divided into three chapters. Chapter 1, "Basics of Good Behavior Guidance," provides…

Invitational education maintains that people respond best when they are invited to feel valuable, able, and responsible, and that teachers can transmit verbal and nonverbal messages that promote positive student reactions. An overview of the concept is presented, and four types of behavior of physical education teachers and their effects are…

Undergraduates rated their affective reactions to hypothetical test performances under four success conditions. Then, in the role of teachers, they administered rewards to hypothetical students under identical conditions. Both positive self-evaluation and teacher praise were greatest when success followed effort. Perceptions of ability also…

Reports on a study that used positive reinforcement on a group of fourth and fifth graders to underscore the contingent relationship between student behavior and environment and thus develop a more internal locus of control. Shows that experimental subjects were significantly more internal than their placebo or control group counterparts following…

Applying the business technique of management by objectives to high school business subjects calls for students to think about and set class goals for themselves, with teacher guidance and encouragement. Difficulties may include the additional time needed for the program and evaluations of different individual objectives. (MF)

Assesses the extent to which children can be taught to increase the frequency of good things in their day and to be more aware of these highlights. A study of 39 students who participated in a positive perspectives intervention program showed both an increased awareness of highlights and positive feelings. (RJM)

This article describes positive behavior support as it is applied in the context of early intervention and as children progress into elementary school. Variables that contribute to effective interventions are discussed, as are issues that must be considered in order to construct optimally beneficial transitions for children with behavioral…

One challenging part of being a middle school physical education teacher is maintaining student behavior while promoting a productive learning environment. The article explains how to use positive discipline to manage student misbehavior and help students see gymnasium participation as a reward. (SM)

This study of interactions between three severely withdrawn, autistic preschool children and six nonhandicapped peers found that peers can be effectively taught strategies to increase appropriate social behaviors of autistic classmates, and a group-oriented reinforcement contingency is an effective complement to teacher-prompted interventions and…

This study, involving four staff members in an institution for people with mental retardation, found that a computerized system of prompts to improve staff-client interactions produced more positive statements, improved distribution of interaction among clients, and resulted in delivery of more positive reinforcement than a traditional…

This study evaluated a positive peer-reporting procedure on positive and negative peer interactions, peer acceptance ratings, and the daily problem behaviors of a 15-year-old boy with multiple behavior and social problems. Results suggested the procedure was effective in all three domains. Data collection and use is discussed in terms of a Level…

Examination of effects on 27 secondary students' Spanish vocabulary quiz performance of 2 variables (group versus individual study and group versus individual contingencies) found that, overall, group study was superior to individual study and, within the group study condition, group contingencies were superior to individual contingencies.…