Age group(s) for which this technique is helpful:
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Primarily used to improve behavior:
At Home

Instructions for using this technique:
Make a two column list. On one side, place all of the inappropriate behaviors in your child. Opposite the inappropriate behaviors, list the appropriate ones. In the beginning you need to look really hard, but when you see even a hint of a good behavior, give them a check. When s/he displays a wrong behavior, make the read the right one you expect, then if the wrong behavior is persistant, take away a check. And have your child deem the appropriate reward. For my son, he decided that for every 100 checks, he will get to do something he really likes, like roller skating, or the arcade. This has to be done constantly and lovingly. The yelling and punishments will NOT work. (Although, sometimes you will need to raise your voice!) Once they see the benefits of their behavior, they will desire to do it more and more, until it becomes a habit.

Other information parents should consider before using this technique:
Sometimes parents overdo rewards to the point that they will only perform FOR the reward, and it does not establish a habit, and a longer lasting backfire can result. (I'll only do it if I get something for it!) Keep the rewards small, but something THEY want/desire. But also make the path to get there something to be worked at. But make sure there is an actual written list that the child can visually see daily, and read when necessary.