Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a behavior strategy that gives something to the student to make a certain behavior re-occur. This process works best if the reinforcer is done or given right away rather than waiting.  There are several different types of reinforcers that can be used.  Verbal praise, marbles in a jar, drops in a bucket, stickers, etc.  

PRO:

• focuses on positive behaviors, rather than negatives

CON:

• negative behaviors may be neglected
• some teachers overuse/misuse positive reinforcement when it is not necessarily warranted (ex. “Matthew, THANK YOU for staying in your seat”--Matthew is running around the room)- Also its not always a good idea to thank a child for doing what they are supposed to do.  It’s like thanking them for going to the bathroom or eating their lunch, it is expected of them, it’s better to notice things that they are doing well and acknowledge that you are noticing them.
• sometimes students become so focused on doing the positive just for the sake of getting the reward that they almost lose sight of why they should act a certain way-does not build intrinsic motivation

Ratings for Positive Reinforcement:

• reduce public humiliation - This reduces the amount of times students who may not be following the classroom rules, because it focuses on the positives rather than negatives.  Students are acknowledged for having positive classroom behavior rather than being called out for negative behavior. There is still error for a student being isolated or called out for not doing what they are supposed to be doing if they are keeping the entire class from gaining the reward.  Also, they could feel humiliated if they are never given positive reinforcements, rewards, or comments from the teacher...half a star
• effectiveness (student behavior) - For the most part, students will respond to this method because they get a reward for their behavior or want to please the teacher and receive verbal praise.  However, not all students will respond to this method and it is very subjective.  It still rewards the “good” students and punishes the “bad” students...half a star
• student acceptance - This strategy can both increase and decrease student acceptance depending on the situation.  For example, if a class earns marbles in the jar because everyone is doing what they are supposed to, it makes all students feel like they are a part of the class and making good choices about their behavior.  However, if a whole classroom reward is withheld or taken away because of a student’s misbehavior, this student is isolated.  If this strategy is not used correctly, students can still feel like they are being called out...half a star
• minimal class disruption - it takes time out of the day.  The teacher has to stop whatever they are doing to either verbally praise a student or reward the students with marbles in the jar etc...0 stars