This document discusses positive reinforcement as a classroom management strategy. It begins by explaining that classroom management is important for teachers to implement to support diverse student behaviors. Positive reinforcement focuses on encouraging desired behaviors through praise and rewards. The document then discusses how positive reinforcement works by increasing behaviors through positive feedback after they occur. It also notes debates on positive reinforcement but emphasizes that when used properly by giving specific praise, it can motivate students and create a positive learning environment. The conclusion reiterates that positive reinforcement is most effective when teachers recognize and praise good behaviors immediately and specifically.

1. Positive Reinforcement In
the Classroom
ASHLEY LAMBERT
SOE 115 PSYCHOLOGY OF
TEACHING AND LEARNING
KENDALL COLLEGE
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2. Classroom Management
 Every year teachers welcome 20-30 New students into their classroom.
Every child comes from a unique background with equally diverse
experiences. Teachers face the difficult task of how to manage and
support student behaviors displayed in their classroom. Behaviors
management is a skill every teacher must learn to implement in there
classroom. There are a variety of ways teachers can help children
understand classroom rules and expectations. It is also important for
teacher to keep in mind the developmental level of their students when
choosing a behavioral management method. For example, Your would
not use the exact same behavioral management method for first graders
you would use for eighth graders. In order for children to be successful
in their education it is crucial for students to be willing participants in
their own education. It is the teachers responsibility to ensure the
student is on board with there learning journey. Teachers must ask
themselves how do I motivate my students. The answer is all in the
name, “Positive” reinforcement.
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3. What is Classroom management?
 “Positive reinforcement Is described as the direct relationship between a behavior
or action and the result of that action. (Positive Reinforement,Techniques)”
Positive reinforcement is a behavioral management tool that can transform
classroom behaviors. Teachers in can use positive reinforcement to encourage a
behavior they would like to see repeated.
 “Positive reinforcement occurs after a behavior and increases the likelihood that
the behavior will continue to occur. (Positive Reinforement,Techniques)”
 Positive reinforcement helps create positive teacher and student relationships by
focusing on the positive action or behavior of a child. Teachers who choose to use
positive reinforcement instead and promotes healthy learning environments.
Community Early learning
Australia

4. Behavioral Management
 “Some educators disagree with the use of positive reinforcement as a behavioral
management tool in the classroom. They prefer punishment or negative reinforcement
to address the behavior because the consequences are quick and effective.(Positive
Reinforement,Techniques)” Other educators prefer positive reinforcement over
negative reinforcement or punishment. Educators who prefer positive reinforcement
over any other form of behavioral management tool argue positive reinforcement
happens in a variety of settings as an adult. . Positive reinforcement can be given out in
a variety of fashions. Teachers can provide positive reinforcement to the whole class or
to an independent student. Critics believe that children can receive negative
reinforcement through the responses of other students. For instance, if a child throws a
paper plan across the room the other students may laugh. The child who threw the
plane may like the laughter from the other students therefore the behavior being being
displayed is being reinforced.
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5. Behavioral Management
 If adults complete training they receive a certificate of completion, when high school
students graduate high school they receive a high school diploma. When adults get up
every morning and go to work they receive positive reinforcement for going to work by
receiving a paycheck. Why shouldn’t we educators be allowed to promote positive
behaviors in a classroom in exchange for small toys, privileges, lunch with the teachers, or
extra free time. Positive reinforcement can be given out in a form of social reinforce through
a smile, compliments or praise. “(Positive Reinforement,Techniques)” Positive reinforcement
can be given out in a variety of fashions. Teachers can provide positive reinforcement to the
whole class or to an independent student. Critics believe that children can receive negative
reinforcement through the responses of other students. For instance, if a child throws a
paper plan across the room the other students may laugh. The child who threw the plane
may like the laughter from the other students therefore the behavior being being displayed
is being reinforced.
Critten center

6. Positive Behavioral Support
 Positive behaviors support is designed to promote desired behaviors in the classroom. The
positive behaviors support methods goal is to create a classroom environment where
children will be empowered by the teacher’s positive reinforcement of the behaviors being
displayed in the classroom. When teachers focus on the desired behaviors rather than the
unwanted behaviors the interactions between the student and the teacher’s interactions
remain positive, which intern creates a positive classroom climate. Positive behavior practice
is especially effective in early childhood or preschool settings. During the preschool year’s
children have being exposed to school for the first time. Preschool is the first classroom
experience a child will have therefore the child will be encouraged to learn many new
behaviors. Focusing to the behaviors the child does correctly reinforces the desired
behaviors and maintains the integrity of the program and classroom.
Ford Elementary School

7. Praise and Feedback
 The use of praise and feedback when using positive reinforcement is key. Feed back
needs to be specific for children to gain understanding of the behavior that is being
reinforced. Depending on the age and developmental level of the student feedback will
vary.
 “Beginners need corrective feedback. (Al-Ghamdi,A.,Jeddah)”
 “Intermediate students have acquired the basics but they need to be guided to a form
of alternative strategies.(Al-Ghamdi,A.,Jeddah)”
 “Highly skilled students need self regulation feedback along with detailed
descriptions.(Al-Ghamdi,A.,Jeddah)”
 When educators use praise they inform students they recognized efforts or
achievements made by the child. Praise can motivate children who may otherwise go
without acknowledgement.
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8. Praise and Feedback
Ymcacapcod.org
Positive reinforcement relays heavily on praise and Feedback given to
students. When educators use praise it sends a message to students
and tell students I notice you. Adults and children both like to be
noticed for accomplishments. Children will respond quickly when
praise is given. They are more likely to try hard or continue to exhibit
positive behavior when a teacher recognizes the behaviors
immediately.
Educators must be specific when giving feedback for the positive
reinforcement method to be effective.
For example: “You did a good job today!” is not ask effective as saying
You raised your hand and participated a lot during reading today.
Keep up the good work.”

9. Conclusion
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Classroom management directly impacts all students ability to learn. Behavioral
management in the classroom is essential to providing a safe and healthy
learning environment. Every classroom teacher choses a behavioral method
they prefer best. Teachers are also responsible for creating the climate of the
classroom. The use of positive reinforcement in a classroom varies. Positive
reinforcement is most effective when teachers give immediate and specific
feedback to students and more importantly focus on the behaviors teachers
would like to see repeated.

10. Information for Parent
 Positive reinforcement helps modify behavior by pointing out the good things
your child is doing. When using praise and feed back it is critical to point out
specifically what the child is doing that your are praising.
 Positive reinforcement helps keep the parent and child relationship positive and
helps keep self confidence intact.
 “Positive reinforcement occurs after a behavior and increases the likelihood that
the behavior will continue to occur. (Positive Reinforement,Techniques)”

11. References
Al-Ghamdi,A.,Jeddah, Building a Positive Environment in Classrooms through Feedback and Praise, English
Language Teaching, 10,(6), 37-43.
Jolstead, K.A., Caldarella, P., Hansen,Bl., Korth,B.B, Williams,L., Kamps,D., Implementing Positive Behavior
Support in Preschool: An Exploratory study of CW-FIT Tier 1,Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions,
19(1),48-60.
N.p., Positive Reinforement,Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers. , 82, (4),10-11.