ABSTRACT
An example of the principles of behaviourist psychology applied to the classroom is seen in attempts at behaviour modification. This refers to a set of procedures in which knowledge derived from learning theory and in particular Skinner’s notions of ‘instrumental’ or ‘operant’ conditioning are used in a planned and systematic way to change an individual’s classroom behaviour. In this article, by Presland, we see theory and practice meeting. The article outlines a series of workshops with primary teachers who draw upon the knowledge gained to improve the learning opportunities for children in their class by introducing a programme to change behaviour in a specified direction. The procedure described has been especially successful with children who have emotional, motivational or behavioural difficulties. (For a further example of classroom application of the principles readers are referred to, ‘A plain guide to behaviour modification’, by Mary Robertson, Primary File, 1, 1987.)
