Positive reinforcement in the classroom can enhance desired behaviors by focusing on and acknowledging positive behaviors rather than negative ones. Reinforcers used should be individualized and valued by each student. Teachers should also directly teach students positive actions for physical, mental, social and personal well-being. While positive reinforcement has benefits, overuse of rewards could potentially decrease students' intrinsic motivation or cause dependence. Overall, positive reinforcement is a powerful concept if applied properly and as one part of a broader educational approach.

1. Making
Presentations That
Stick
A guide by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Angel Dobler Psychology of teaching and
Learning, Kendall College

2. It is a theory that children who are provided with
positive reinforcement throughout their daily
lives. Have a higher success rate of learning than
those who receive negative or no reinforcement.

3. Credible Source 1
Focus on the Positive
Positive reinforcement can be used very effectively
in the classroom to create or enhance a desired
behavior. The idea is basically to not focus on the
negative aspects of a person's behavior, but instead
to focus on the positive aspects. The more focus
that is placed on the positive behavior, the more the
behavior will be enhanced. As a result of this type of
behavior modification program, the negative
behaviors will naturally become less important and
thus less active for the individual. This is especially
important for students who have behavioral or
emotional issues that cause them to act out. (Foust)
c

4. Creditable source #2
How should I choose a reinforcer?
Reinforcers must be valued, preferred, and individualized. What may be extremely motivating for one student
may be entirely useless for another. Use the following guidelines in choosing a reinforcer:
Observe the student
: What kinds of activities does he or she seek out? What objects or events are presently
serving to reinforce his or her behavior?
Ask the student
: When designing a plan to modify behavior give the student a list of choices and ask what he
or she would like to try to earn. For example, if setting up a token economy for work completed, let the student
choose from a list of activities to find out which he or she is interested in earning.
Monitor
: Periodically review by observation and discussion whether the reinforcer remains preferred or
whether a new reinforcer is necessary.
Evaluate
: Do a formal preference assessment of what is desired. This is not the case. A bribe is something which is
unacceptable or inappropriate (and illegal).
Reinforcement is given to
bring about desirable change and to teach students to take responsibility for behavior(Smith)

5. Credible source #3
3. Teach Positive Actions
We need to teach students positive behaviors in a thorough, consistent, systematic way; we cannot assume that students just know
them. The Positive Action curriculum covers the following concepts.
● The importance of doing positive actions to feel good about yourself.
● Positive actions for a healthy body (such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep).
● Positive actions for the intellect (such as thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills).
● Positive actions for self-management (such as managing time, energy, emotions, and other personal resources).
● Positive actions for getting along with others (such as treating others fairly, kindly, and respectfully).
● Positive actions for being honest with yourself and others (such as taking responsibility, admitting mistakes, and not blaming
others).
● Positive actions for improving yourself continually (such as setting and achieving goals). (Allred)
c
.

6. Cons:
1. Kids can become dependent on rewards
2. Students can lose motivation if rewards are taken
away
3. Rewards may decrease students motivation by
having them focus on receiving a reward instead of
learning (angiejacs)

7. Analysis
There is much more data supporting the ideas
of the benefits of positive reinforcement.
However, the concept of children becoming
dependent on rewards is definitely an option
to consider. Is this becoming a generation of
over indulged children? I support the concept
of positive reinforcement, I do however
believe it needs to have limitations.

8. Positive reinforcement is a form of operant
conditioning a concept created by B.F. Skinner. It
is the concept of adding something to get a
desired response from students such as a reward.Children who are
given positive
reinforcement often
continue to give
positive behaviors.

9. Operant conditioning can work equally
well at home with parenting as it does
in the classroom. It supported by most
teachers in the Early childhood field
and expressed in various ways.
Consistent positive
reinforcement is the
fuel that keeps the
fire burning long
enough to achieve
any change you
desire
Story for illustration purposes only

10. There is plenty of evidence supporting the concept of positive
reinforcements and I personally see it happening in classrooms all the
time. I have even attempted it in my own classroom with some success
though my children may have been a little young for my design. I
would certainly this again as I do not believe that children will only
behave for treats.
Properly used, positive
reinforcement is
extremely powerful
-B.F. Skinner

11. Communication:
Positive reinforcement is
usable in both the home and
the school atmosphere
Together we can create a
powerful team to teach
children

12. References
Foust, Katherine. (9/11/2012) Encourage good
classroom Behavior Using Positive
Reinforcement. Brighthubeducation.com
angiejacs.(4/8/2008)The Pros and Cons of
Positive and Negative Reinforcement II.
retrieved from
managingaclassroom.wikispaces.com
Smith, Kareen.Positive Reinforcement A
Proactive intervention for the classroom.
Retrieved from cehd.umn.edu