Eliminating discipline problems by strengthening academic performance

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Traditional behavior modification focuses on reinforcing nondisruptive behavior.
• This study explores an alternative approach using academic skill reinforcement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of reinforcing academic skills to reduce disruptive behavior in fifth-grade boys.
• To compare this method with traditional behavior modification techniques.

Main Methods:

• Observational study involving five fifth-grade boys identified as discipline problems.
• Data collection on disruptive behavior and academic performance during reading sessions.
• Implementation and withdrawal of a token reinforcement system targeting academic skills.

Main Results:

• Disruptive behavior averaged 34% and reading performance was below 50% initially.
• Reinforcing academic skills drastically reduced disruption and improved reading performance.
• Withdrawal of reinforcement led to increased disruption and decreased performance, which reversed upon reinstatement.

Conclusions:

• Reinforcing academic skills is an effective strategy for eliminating classroom discipline problems.
• This approach significantly enhances academic performance while managing behavior.
• Token reinforcement systems targeting academic skills offer a viable alternative in classroom management.