from Gardner's website: CognitiveBehavior.com

CBMT#09 TIME OUT

Time out is a type of strategy that involves the withdrawal of all reinforcement for a specified period of time. Either the student may be removed from the setting or the reinforcer may be withdrawn from the student. The removal or withdrawal takes place after the student has displayed the inappropriate behavior. Time out procedures vary from a mild form, in which social attention is withdrawn, to a severe form, in which the student is isolated in a padded room. Time out has been used by teachers for years. Who does not remember the student who had to sit out in the hallway? The hallway, unfortunately, was sometimes more reinforcing than the classroom.

Rationale Time out temporarily excludes a student from an opportunity to receive reinforcement (Morgan & Jenson, 1988). An inappropriate response is weakened when it is not followed by positive reinforcement. The student will discontinue the behavior so as not to miss any reinforcing activities. To borrow a phrase front Swanson and Reinert (1979), the student does not enjoy "time out from positive reinforcement."

Where Should The Time-Out Take Place? The time-out area should be: safe boring accessible visible Some people use a small chair in a corner. Others have the child sit on the steps. The child should not have any toys near him. Any TV, radio or tape player should be turned off. There does not have to be a special place for the time-out. The child can sit on the floor, or in a chair or on the grass if you are outside.