An exploratory investigation of proximity control in a large-group unstructured setting

Abstract

Proximity control is a common component of many classroom management strategies and has been shown to reduce disruptive behavior as well as increase academic engagement among students. Much of the research on proximity control to date has been conducted in structured classroom settings or in combination with other behavioral management techniques. This applied study investigated the effect of proximity control on student behavior in a large, unstructured setting using an ABAB withdrawal design. Results indicate that staff proximity was effective at reducing inappropriate student behavior. The study also explored the acceptability of the treatment among staff participants. Staff reported lower levels of acceptability for the implementation of proximity control compared to pretreatment methods of monitoring. A discussion of these findings and implications is included.

Keywords:

• Behavior management
• behavioral interventions
• proximity control

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adam D. Weaver

Adam D. Weaver, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Philip Scherer, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Stephanie Hengen, Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Mark D. Shriver, Department of Psychology, Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Philip Scherer

Philip Scherer is now at Nebraska Educational Service Unit #2; Stephanie Hengen is now at Gretna Public Schools.