Token reinforcement is a behavior modification system that uses symbols or tokens that can be exchanged for reinforcers. The teacher observed implemented a car-themed behavior chart where students moved their car up for good behavior and down for poor behavior. At the end of the day or week, students received stickers or trips to the mystery box depending on their progress. The token reinforcement system was successful in promoting positive behavior and self-regulation in the students.

1. Token Reinforcement
Lydia Steinhauser
SOE 115 Psychology of Teaching and Learning
Kendall College
Anguerde. (2016) Token (digital image). Retrieved from
http://anguerde.com/TTF-378037-token.html

2. Overview
Token Reinforcement is a system of behavior modification
based on the systematic reinforcement of target behavior.
The reinforcers are symbols or “tokens” that can be exchanged for other
reinforcers.
I personally observed this strategy during the “non-participant child observation”.
Teacher creatively managed behaviors by implementing a “car-themed” behavior chart.
(Wikipedia, 2017)

3. National Professional Development Center
on Autism Spectrum Disorders…..
states that there are multiple steps for implementing a token reinforcement
strategy:
1. Define a target skill/behavior that they wish to expand.
2. Collect baseline data-measure how often the child is currently displaying
skill/behavior.
3. Identify reinforcers-a positive rewards that will increase the likelihood
skill/behavior will be used in future.
4. Create a reinforcer menu-Organize potential reinforcers in an orderly
fashion.
(Neitzel, 2009)

4. Positive Reinforcers
Suggested Examples…
Bubbles
Ice cream
Coloring book
Extra computer time
Squishy ball
Lollipop
New Comic
Book
Treats
Stickers
Playdough
(Neitzel, 2009)

5. (Implementation steps) Continued…
5. Establish a Token Reinforcement Program-Identify tokens and determine
how they are to be exchanged.
6. Implement a Token Reinforcement Program-Follow through with
established program.
7. Monitor Learner Progress
(Neitzel, 2009)

6. Tom McIntyre, Ph.D. with
Http://behavioradvisor.com
suggests…
Reinforcement systems are “quite effective for students who are resistant to
other types of motivational or behavior management techniques.”
Benefits of implementation:
• Ease of application
• Use of immediate/frequent reinforcement
• Lack of boredom
• Lack of competition between students
(McIntyre, na)

7. Http://bringingaba.com
Examples of Token Reinforcement Systems
• Class-Wide Color Chart-Typically consisting of five levels. Students
behavior moves up and down the chart with an incentive rewarded after
expectation met.
• Individual Behavior Chart-Consists of goals and expectations to be achieved
the duration of the child’s day.
• Self-Monitoring Materials-A materials checklist to stay on track with
assignment completion.
(Rodecki, 2017)

8. Summary
During the “Non-Participant Observation”, I observed the teacher using a
behavior management system in her classroom which I later identified as a
token reinforcement system. Her “car system” provided each student their
own car placed on an organized color chart. Upon good behavior or in her
terms a “good decision”, the student would move their car up the chart and for
“poor decisions” the car traveled down. After ending the day on a designated
positive color, students received a sticker. At the end of the week, so many
stickers would reward the child a trip to the “mystery box” which was filled
with fun little trinkets such as pencils, erasers, and etc.
Continued…..

9. Summary continued…
The teacher I observed found that this chart had tremendous success in her
classroom and promoted positive behavior management. I observed students
self-regulate to positively complete the chart. I have previously worked in
rooms where color charts are used and I believe this is a great instrument for
children to learn adequate school behavior. It was interesting to research
different methods and charts in which I plan to implement one day.
Communicating this with parents will include a daily “take-home” chart to
inform the parents on the decisions their child made throughout the day.

10. Connections
Often classrooms experience unruly or disruptive behavior and are challenged
with management of such performance. A suggested remedy to such crisis is
Token Reinforcement. I believe this falls as an example of B.F. Skinner’s
operant conditioning. We learned that operant conditioning (instrumental
conditioning) is a “type of learning in which the strength of a behavior is
modified by its consequences, such as reward or punishment”.
(Wikipedia, 2017)

11. Communication with Families
Communication with parents is, in my opinion, one of the most important
duties a teacher must execute in their profession. Parents and staff should all
remain on the “same page” to promote maximum success. I have had
experience working with families utilizing a behavior management system in
school AND also at home as well. I find a great strategy to incorporate with a
token reinforement procedure would be include a daily “take-home” chart to
inform the parents on the decisions their child made throughout the day.
Collaborating with parents is vital because if behaviors are not being managed
at home, it will carry forward into the school environment.

12. References
Wikipedia. (2017). Retrieved May 17, 2017 from Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Token_economy
Neitzel, J. (2009). Steps for implementation: Token economy programs. Chapel
Hill, NC:. The National Professional Development Center on Autism
Spectrum Disorders, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute,
The University of North Carolina.

13. References
Leach, D. and Rodecki, J. (2017). Retrieved on May 17, 2017 from
http://bringingaba.com/
McIntyre, Tom. (2014). Retrieved on May 17, 2017 from
http://www.behavioradvisor.com/