Jennifer L. Austin & Deborah Bevan (2011).
Using differential reinforcement of low rates to reduce children’s requests for teacher attention.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
44, 451-461.
We evaluated the effectiveness of full-session differential reinforcement of
low rates of behavior (DRL) on 3 primary school children’s rates of requesting
attention from their teacher. Using baseline rates of responding and
teacher recommendations, we set a DRL schedule that was substantially
lower than baseline yet still allowed the children access to teacher assistance.
The DRL schedule was effective in reducing children’s requests for assistance
and approval, and the teacher found the intervention highly useful and acceptable.
The possible mechanisms that account for behavior change using full-session DRL
schedules are discussed.
Key words: classroom management, differential reinforcement of low rates, elementary school, general education, typically developing children