Compared the cost effectiveness of the social learning approach and the social learning approach with reinforcement to increase targeted social skills with socially withdrawn/isolate children. The frequency of four behaviours were observed. The social learning approach with reinforcement was more cost effective, thus more feasible. (Author)

A teacher's use of appealing physical education activities to develop other educational skills and to encourage behavior change in learning impaired children is described. The teacher makes up a behavior plan with each child in the homeroom; positive behavior earns breaks, free play, and the right to use gym equipment and to participate in…

To be an effective educator and motivator, teachers must clearly communicate their expectations based on an understanding of student behavior. The educator's goal should be to accent the positive behaviors, increase student self-esteem, and make discipline part of the educational process. (JAC)

A study involving five fourth-grade behavior problem children with reading failure was designed to replicate an earlier study which demonstrated positive effects of teacher written praise notes as motivating agents for improved performance. (SBH)

The article discusses methods of making the high school accounting class more appealing to attract more students. Methods include individual attention, in-class tutoring, no-grade evaluation, optional examination plan, career talk, success reinforcement, and others. (MF)

This article surveys several teacher interventions supported in the research literature to prevent the development of behavior problems in school-aged children. Strategies include specific teaching of social communication skills, clear communication of behavior expectations, creating a supportive school climate, and continual reinforcement of…

Reviews the uses of computer technology for students with behavior disorders. Three categories of applications are discussed: (1) computerized instruction to enhance academic skills or achievement; (2) computers used as reinforcers to modify behavior; and (3) the use of computers to improve social skills or interpersonal deficits. (14 references)…

Group leaders who offer affirmations to participants in outdoor education encourage healthy relationships and group cohesion and increase individuals' self-esteem. Personal affirming includes actions and statements that make participants feel comfortable in their environment, support capable work, and encourage behavior change in a supportive and…

This article defines, provides a rationale for, and describes the implementation of a classroom management level system in a middle school program for students with severe behavior disorders. The system is a motivational plan for behavioral improvement based upon a graduated series of levels with increasing student responsibility and privileges.…

A retrospective review of 51 studies from 22 journals (1976 to 1990) concerning generalization of social skills training with preschool children was conducted. Strategies employed by the most successful studies were identified, such as addressing functional target behaviors; using prompts, positive reinforcement, and feedback strategies; and…

This study involving three autistic and four nondisabled preschool children found that a peer-initiation intervention produced increases in peer initiations and social interactions when the teacher verbally prompted, but not without verbal prompts. When a correspondence training/visual feedback package was implemented, peer initiations and social…

A study analyzed ratings of 55 teachers for the effectiveness and acceptability of a range of interventions and evaluated the impact on those ratings of providing functional information about the problem behavior. Teachers differentially rated brief interruption and differential reinforcement according to the functional information provided in the…

Two experiments, at both elementary and secondary schools, evaluated the utility of a behavior-analytic program to enhance effective leadership behaviors by two school principals. Treatment involved helping principals with classroom observations, goal setting, and providing feedback and praise. Results showed more effective behaviors by both…

A fundamental characteristic of a successful physical education program is that the students are interested and motivated to learn the intended objectives. Unfortunately, in many cases, students begin losing interest in physical education as they progress through school. In order to better understand this phenomenon, the authors explored the…

In our clinical practice, we have attempted to use a positive psychology approach in working with people with schizophrenia and youths with behavioral disorders. We present three clinical applications that use a positive psychology approach with these populations: group treatment with persons with schizophrenia; individual cognitive stimulation…