Date of Award
12-1-1985
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. Joan Horn
Keywords
behavior change, behavior modification, behavior problems, cafeterias, classical conditioning, conditioning, contingency management, delay of gratification, discipline, elementary education, group behavior, lunch programs, motivation, negative reinforcement, operant conditioning, positive reinforcement, reinforcement, rewards, self control, time out
Abstract
The practicum was entitled “Improvement of Cafeteria Behavior Through the Use of Behavior Modification”. The setting was an elementary school consisting of kindergarten through sixth grade. Previous methods for controlling lunchroom behaviors were not effective. By setting up a behavior modification system in which appropriate behavior was reinforced, the noise level was controlled and at least 60% of the class earned the opportunity to receive a weekly reward for following cafeteria rules. Furthermore, the project was successful enough that he faulty and administration wished for it to be an ongoing program.