This document discusses reinforcement, a concept in operant conditioning where behaviors are increased or strengthened. It defines reinforcement and explains that B.F. Skinner is considered the founder of operant conditioning theory. The document outlines the main types of reinforcement - positive and negative reinforcement, whether verbal or non-verbal. It provides examples of positive verbal reinforcement like "good job" and positive non-verbal cues like nodding. Negative reinforcement examples include verbal cues like "no" or non-verbal reactions like raising eyebrows. The document concludes with a sample micro-plan of pupil-teacher interactions using reinforcement.

1. B Y
D R . S M I T A S R I V A S T A V A ( A S S T T . P R O F . E D U C A T I O N )
I N T E G R A L U N I V E R S I T Y , L U C K N O W

2. MEANING
• Reinforcement is a term used in operant conditioning to refer to anything that increases the
likelihood that a response will occur.
• Psychologist B.F. Skinner is considered the father of this theory.
• Reinforcement is defined by the effect that it has on behaviour—it increases or strengthens
the response.

3. TYPES OF REINFORCEMENT
Positive
reinforcement
Verbal
Non-
verbal
Negative
reinforcement
Verbal
Non-
verbal

4. POSITIVE VERBAL REINFORCEMENT
Any positive word in appreciation to the answer like:
• Good
• Excellent
• O.K.
• Yes you are right
• Well done
• Very good
• I agree with you
• correct

5. POSITIVE NON-VERBAL
REINFORCEMENT
Any positive non-verbal reactions in appreciation to the answer like:
• Nodding in approval
• Expression of approval
• Pat on back
• Writing student’s response on the black-board
• Proximity
• Asking students to clap
• Smile

6. NEGATIVE VERBAL REINFORCEMENT
Any negative words like:
• No
• Stop it
• Never
• Wrong

7. NEGATIVE NON-VERBAL
REINFORCEMENT
Any negative reactions like
• Raising eyebrows
• Beating
• Showing disagreement by facial expression

8. MICRO-PLAN ( SAMPLE)
Sl . No. Pupil-teacher response Student’s response
1 How many triangles are there on the basis of angles? There are 3 triangles
( Good)
2 Name that triangles
( Excellent)
Acute triangle
Obtuse triangle
Right angle triangle
3 What do you mean by right angle
(Nodding head and write this answer on black-board)
Which angle is of 90˚

9. REFERENCE/MORE READINGS
• http://esaiva2013.blogspot.com/2016/11/skillof-reinforcement-introduction.html
• THANKS