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Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis logoLink to Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
. 1979 Fall;12(3):467–485. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1979.12-467

Self-control training in the classroom: a review and critique.

M S Rosenbaum, R S Drabman
PMCID: PMC1311431  PMID: 511811

Abstract

Self-control training in classroom settings is becoming widespread. Establishing effective self- rather than externally controlled behavior modification programs in schools would enable children to control their own academic and social behavior, while enabling teachers to devote more time to teaching. The following components of self-control are reviewed in the present article: self-recording, self-evaluation, self-determination of contingencies, and self-instruction. Self-control strategies designed for the maintenance of appropriate classroom behavior, and issues associated with self-control training, such as the reliability of self-observation, response maintenance, generalization, and the role of external control, are examined. Finally, suggestions for maximizing the potential effectiveness of self-control training in the classroom (e.g., teaching self-observational procedures, teaching students to provide themselves with instructions and praise), as well as future areas for experimental investigation (e.g., social changes that may be associated with self-control procedures), are presented.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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