How do we use Reinforcement Properly?
Reinforcement is designed to encourage positive behavior and actions. Reinforcement is used by replacing bad behavior with good behavior, and this then promotes an increase of on-task behavior displayed by students. To properly apply reinforcement in the classroom you must observe, interact, and evaluate your students behaviors to assess what motivates them to display their best behaviors. Once you understand their behaviors and personalities apply appropriate reinforcements for each student based on their individual personality. When you use reinforcement in the classroom it allows for a very positive environment. When students see other students being praised, given rewards, or receiving extra attention it makes the students around them genuinely want to succeed and do well also. It creates a chain reaction and helps the students to create a positive learning environment with exceptional behavior, being on-task, and many other components. Below are the different types of reinforcers that are used and you can incorporate into your classroom! They are detailed and explain how to use it and why they are beneficial.
|
Social Reinforcers
These are reinforcers that are socially mediated by teachers, parents, other adults and peers which express approval and praise for appropriate behavior. This also can include written praise on a paper, worksheet, or in an agenda. A lot of the time when social reinforcement is used it causes a chain reaction among the other students in the classroom. Some examples include saying: "Great job today!" "I have really noticed an improvement on your work." "You did very well during math today." Also writing "Super" on a test, or "{student} had a great day!" in the child's agenda. Activity Reinforcers
Activity reinforcers are very effective and positive for students. Considering reinforcement is a reward of some sort, activity reinforcers allow the student to partake in something fun to promote their good behavior. There are many different examples of activity reinforcers; some include playing on the computer, having lunch with the teacher, watching a movie, having extra recess time, etc. Basically the students are being allowed and granted access to a fun activity or toy. This can also mean playing games and making puzzles. To the left is an activity chart. These are often found in classrooms, so when students express excellent behavior they choose an activity from the board to do! |
Tangible Reinforcers
Tangible reinforcers are rewards that a student can physically hold in their hands. They can include many different objects. When students represent good behavior they are granted some kind of tangible object to reward them for their good behavior. We grant them these rewards so that they are more likely to continue showing us positive, good behavior. This also allows for the students around them to want to act better so they can receive something as well. Some examples are: a trip to pick a toy from the toy box, a balloon, a piece of candy, or a sticker! |
Token Reinforcement
Token reinforcement involves awarding students through a system where they receive points or tokens for appropriate behavior. This reward system is being seen in more and more schools and is shown to be very beneficial. When students show they can represent proper behavior they receive either a token or a point. When you gain a certain number of points or token you get to choose some kind of reward whether it be a fun activity to do in the class or picking out a prize. |
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/8/6/128662735/published/50.png?1575399091)
You are now 50% done with this training after when you move on from this content page.