How Can Schools Increase Positive Behavior?
Research has shown that social rewards such as smiling, praising, and complimenting are extremely effective in increasing desirable behavior. Citing studies showing that students who dislike school, do poorly academically, and have limited career objectives are more likely to be disruptive, Gottfredson (1989) recommends that schools work to increase academic success for low-achievers. However, this alone is not enough. A comparison of three alternative programs for at-risk youth revealed that while achievement increased in all three, delinquent behavior decreased only in the program that also increased students’ social involvement and attachment to school. “Face it, if a class if boring, students will be disruptive,” the NAESP (1983) points out. Making school enjoyable and interesting for as many students as possible–for example, by changing instructional practices to accommodate a variety of learning styles–may dramatically decrease discipline problems. Sometimes problem behavior oc
