Technique: Encouraging positive classroom behavior with group reinforcement

When all students in the classroom are following the rules a mechanical devise with a green light, clock for adding minutes and music are activated. While the entire group of students is on task the mechanism functions. When there is a breakdown in student compliance, the clocklight is turn off.

Procedures: 

1. Establish and post classroom rules
2. Each day establish and post reward criteria
3. Determine and post class goals and most current performance
4. Teacher scans the classroom
1. If rules are followed, start the clocklight and deliver praise

At completion of day, reward for meeting daily goals.


2. If rules are being violated by one or more students, stop

clocklight and conduct corrective teaching, then scan and watch for positive behavior. When it occurs, start clocklight. 

Components: Clocklight devise and remote control, One day training session for teacher, Instructive Praise, Corrective teaching, Goal setting which outlines percentage of time students are to be in compliance, Data collection of time accrued on the musical clocklight, Fading when classroom meets 80% goal.

Strengths

Provides expectations and goals for behavior
Includes instructive praise and corrective teaching
Assists students to monitor behaviors
Devise for showing pleasure in behavior is simple and ongoing
Remote control frees teacher

One student can cause entire group to suffer and one student has a great deal of control over time spent in correction
Teacher is the evaluator and students need not fully engage in self monitoring
May encourage group anger directed at one student or one group against the other
Uncertain if gains are maintained beyond immediate reinforcement

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E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu

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