Is There a Relationship between Improving Human Relation Skills and Levels of Academic Performance?
This Action Research Project implemented a program for improving human relation skills intended to raise the academic performance level of students. The target population consists of kindergarten, seventh grade (regular/at-risk), and high school (regular/behavior disordered) students. Analysis of both research literature and problem evidence indicated that human relation skills at all grade levels affect students’ academic performance. A review of student/teacher surveys suggested that human relation skills should be an integral part of the curriculum across grade levels if academic achievement is to be improved. Solution strategies included a developmental program to enhance human relation skills. The framework for this solution component is applying Glasser’s Control Theory and R.W. Begun’s “Ready-To-Use Social Skills Lessons and Activities” to maximize behavioral learning opportunities and academic achievement. Results of the project are reported; conclusions and recommendations are
