The Utilization Of Classroom Peers As Behavior Change Agents

Since the early 1800's, children have been taught and encouraged to function as instructional agents for their classroom peers. However, it was not until the last decade that peer-mediated intervention was studied in a rigorous, systematic fashion. The purpose of this edited volume is to provide an up-to-date and complete account of empirical research that addresses the general efficacy of classroom peers as behavior change agents. As a result of various social and legal developments, such as the passage of Public Law 94-142 and its accompanying demand for indi vidualized instruction, peer-mediated interventions seem likely to prolif erate. As I have noted elsewhere (Strain, this volume), close adherence to the principle of individualized programming has rendered obsolete the "adults only" model of classroom instruction. Whether the utilization of peers in the instructional process comes to be viewed by school personnel as a positive adjunct to daily classroom practices depends in large mea sure on our ability to carefully design, conduct, and communicate the findings of applied research. I trust that this volume will function both to accurately communicate existing findings and to stimulate further study. My colleagues who have generously contributed their time and skill to this volume have my deepest appreciation. They have performed their various tasks in a timely, professional manner and, in my opinion, have provided considerable insight into the problems and potentials of peers as instructional agents.

"This volume includes a variety of intervention strategies utilizing peers as change agents in school-based interventions. The book presents an updated conceptualization of PMIs, including peer-mediated academic interventions, peer-mediated behavioral interventions, and peer-mediated group supports. Each section includes a chapter describing the research supporting each type of PMI, as well as practical chapters detailing the use of different strategies. The practical chapters describe the common procedures involved in each PMI, recommendations for successful implementation with an equity lens in applied settings, and practical resources such as implementation scripts"--

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) involves children in school consciously assisting others to learn, and in so doing learning more effectively themselves. It encompasses peer tutoring, peer modeling, peer education, peer counseling, peer monitoring, and peer assessment, which are differentiated from other more general "co-operative learning" methods. PAL is not diluted or surrogate "teaching"; it complements and supplements (but never replaces) professional teaching--capitalizing on the unique qualities and richness of peer interaction and helping students become empowered democratically to take more responsibility for their own learning. In this book, PAL is presented as a set of dynamic, robust, effective, and flexible approaches to teaching and learning, which can be used in a range of different settings. The chapters provide descriptions of good practice blended with research findings on effectiveness. They describe procedures that can be applied to all areas of the school curriculum, and can be used with learners of all levels of ability, including gifted students, students with disabilities, and second-language learners. Among the distinguished contributors, many are from North America, while others are from Europe and Australia. The applicability of the methods they present is worldwide. Peer-Assisted Learning is designed to be accessible and useful to teachers and to those who employ, train, support, consult with, and evaluate them. Many chapters will be helpful to teachers aiming to replicate in their own school environments the cost-effective procedures described. A practical resources guide is included. This volume will also be of interest to faculty and researchers in the fields of education and psychology, to community educators who want to learn about the implications of Peer Assisted Learning beyond school contexts, and to employers and others involved in post-school training.

Continuing the tradition of excellence established in previous editions, distinguished researcher, practitioner, and educator Alan Kazdin integrates pioneering and recent research with discussions and examples for altering behavior and the conditions that influence their effectiveness. The Seventh Edition reflects several developments within the field of behavior modification, without diminishing an essential emphasis on applied research and intervention techniques. Kazdin has expanded and refined discussions of functional behavioral assessment, antecedent events and their influence on behavior, assessment options, ensuring the quality of assessment, data evaluation, and ethical and legal issues. New to this edition is an Appendix to guide a behavior-change project that focuses on applying the content of the book in everyday life. In addition to comprehensive coverage and lucid explanations of how assessment, evaluation, and intervention work together to improve the care of individuals, the text contains many learning-oriented features, such as chapter outlines that convey content, direction, and key points; practical examples of principles and techniques; an abundant number of tables that summarize important concepts; exercises for designing or evaluating a specific intervention or for changing a program that is not working; and a list of key terms at the end of the chapters. By completing the exercises and understanding the terms, students can master the core content of the chapters. This outstanding text enables students and professionals with varied interests to implement effective techniques with individuals and in contexts where behavior change is desperately neededin a world challenged by a wide range of social problems.

The 11 papers in this collection address various aspects of the adoption and implementation of technology in the education of students with disabilities. An introduction by David B. Malouf of the Office of Special Education Programs introduces the collection. The following papers are included: (1) "No Easy Answer: The Instructional Effectiveness of Technology for Students with Disabilities" (John Woodward, Deborah Gallagher, and Herbert Rieth); (2) "It Can't Hurt: Implementing AAC Technology in the Classroom for Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities" (Bonnie Todis); (3) "Preparing Future Citizens: Technology-Supported, Project-Based Learning in the Social Studies" (Cynthia M. Okolo and Ralph P. Ferretti); (4) "ClassWide Peer Tutoring Program: A Learning Management System" (Charles R. Greenwood, Liang-Shye Hou, Joseph Delquadri, Barbara J. Terry, and Carmen Arreaga-Mayer); (5) "Sustaining a Curriculum Innovation: Cases of Make It Happen!" (Judith M. Zorfass); (6) "Technology Implementation in Special Education: Understanding Teachers' Beliefs, Plans, and Decisions" (Charles A. MacArthur); (7) "Why Are Most Teachers Infrequent and Restrained Users of Computers in Their Classroom?" (Larry Cuban); (8) "Designing Technology Professional Development Programs" (A. Edward Blackhurst); (9) "The Construction of Knowledge in a Collaborative Community: Reflections on Three Projects" (Carol Sue Englert and Yong Zhao); (10) "The Rise and Fall of the Community Transition Team Model" (Andrew S. Halpern and Michael R. Benz); and (11) "How Does Technology Support a Special Education Agenda? Using What We Have Learned To Inform the Future" (Marleen C. Pugach and Cynthia L. Warger). (Individual papers contain references.) (DB)

Enduring Issues in Special Education is aimed at any course in the undergraduate or graduate special education curriculum that is wholly or partly devoted to a critical examination of current issues in special education. The book organizes 28 chapters into seven sections using familiar structuring principles—what, who, where, how, when, why, and whither. Each section begins with an introduction that provides historical, legal, and theoretical background information and organizing commentary for the chapters that follow. The book’s objective, in addition to informing readers about the issues, is to develop critical thinking skills in the context of special education. Key features include the following: Dialectic Format – Each of the 28 chapters presents compelling reasons for addressing the issue at hand and specific ways to do so. Because each issue is written from different perspectives and focuses on a variety of aspects, readers are encouraged to weigh the arguments, seek additional information, and come up with synthesized positions of their own. Organizing Framework – The book’s seven sections have been arranged according to a scheme that is the essence of most investigative reporting and provides a coherent, easy-to-understand framework for readers. Expertise – All chapters are written by leading scholars who are highly regarded experts in their fields and conclude with suggested readings and discussion questions for additional study.

Progress in Behavior Modification, Volume 11 covers the developments in the study of behavior modification. The book discusses the pluralistic psychology of behavior change; the methodological issues in child behavior therapy; and the interpersonal-skills training with adolescents. The text also describes the behavior modification of work and work-related problems; the behavioral treatment of migraine and muscle-contraction headaches; and the modification of children's social withdrawal. An assessment of hyperactive children, with regard to the psychometric, methodological, and practical considerations, is considered. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and sociologists will find the book invaluable.