Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/45209

This study examined whether behavior contracts in foreign language classes at a Japanese university reduced disruptive behavior (tardiness, absence, failure to bring textbook, cellular phone usage, and sleeping in class). There were two hypotheses: 1) behavior contract would reduce problem behavior, and 2) male students would exhibit disruptive behaviors more than female students. The results revealed that behavioral contracts were not consistently more effective than providing the rules to students. Overall, there was no significant difference between male and female students. Providing rules in written form, carefully tracking infractions, and applying penalties may have been the factors that affected behavior.