Modification of Achievement by a Simple Technique Involving Parents and Teacher.

DOCUMENT 'RESUME CG 005 230 Hawkins, Robert P.; Sluyter, David 3. Modification of Achievement by a Simple Technique Involving Parents and Teacher. American Educational Research Association, Washington, D.C.; Western Michigan Univ., Kalamazoo. 2 Mar 70 19p.; Paper presented at American Educational Research Association Convention, Minneapolis, minnesota, March 2-6, 1970 FDRS Price MF-$0.25 HC-$1.0c Children, Low Achievers, *Low Motivation, Motivation, *Motivation Techniques, *Parent. Participation, *Performance, Students, *Underachievers Seven experiments were conducted to help answer the question, "What can parents aid teachers of an underachieving child do to help that child?" Though many school programs exist for such children, many remain underachievers despite absence of serious "emotional" or socio-economic problems. A simple inexpensive technique was designed to raise achievement in those children whose primary problem was low motivation. Its adoption could be initiated by either parents or teachers, since no specialized knowledge and very little effort was required of either party. The technique involved daily dispensing of dittoed notes to the child at school regarding his performance in the area of interest. These notes were taken home and parents arranged reinforcing consequences there. Single-subject design was used. Dependent variables, chosen on basis of individual subject's achievement problems, talking out of turn, and inattentiveness. Six of the seven cases showed significant improvement resulting from application of technique. Four of the cases are presented. Variations of this simple technique should be tried in many schools to determine its general effectiveness. It can be initiated by counselors, psychologists, social workers and principals as well as teachers and parents. It should be applicable to most grade levels, but this remains to be determined. (Author)