ELIMINATING DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS BY STRENGTHENING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE¹

TLDR

Classroom discipline problems are typically addressed by reinforcing nondisruptive behavior. The study demonstrates that reinforcing academic skills can eliminate discipline problems. Five fifth‑grade boys were observed during 15‑minute reading sessions in which academic performance and disruptive behavior were recorded. Token reinforcement of reading reduced disruption and improved reading; withdrawal reversed these gains, and reinstatement doubled reading performance and eliminated disruption.

Abstract

Behavior modification procedures have typically been used to eliminate discipline problems in the classroom through reinforcement of nondisruptive behavior. This report demonstrates an alternative approach whereby discipline problems are eliminated by reinforcing relevant academic skills. Five fifth‐grade boys, identified by their teacher as discipline problems, were observed. The teacher conducted 15‐min performance sessions in her reading class during which written academic performance and disruptive behavior were recorded. These measures indicated that the boys' average level of disruption was 34%, while their reading performance was below 50%. When systematic token reinforcement was applied to reading performance only, the rate of disruption fell drastically, and reading performance increased. When the reinforcement procedure was withdrawn, disruption again rose, and reading performance declined. The reinstatement of reinforcement doubled reading performance and eliminated disruption.