Training Teachers to Give Effective Commands: Effects on Student Compliance and Academic Behaviors

Abstract. This study examined the effects of effective command training with teachers on students’ compliance rates and academic engagement. Three target students were selected who were exhibiting compliance rates substantially below peers.The students’ teachers were taught how to provide effective commands. Results indicated that students’ rates of compliance increased with increased use of effective commands. When verbal praise was added contingent on compliance, students’rates of compliance increased even more. In addition, academic engagement was shown to increase as student compliance increased and disruptive competing behaviors decreased. Implications for consultation and intervention in the classroom to increase student compliance and academic behaviors are discussed.