Page 10: Positive Consequences

Activity

Reinforcers that involve the student engaging in a desired activity.

Tangible

Reinforcers that the student can see, touch, or hold.

Delivering Consequences

A positive consequence provided by a frowning, rushed teacher may not have the same effect as a consequence delivered by a smiling teacher who takes the time to explain to the student what he or she did correctly.

What is a positive consequence?

A positive consequence, often referred to as reinforcement, is a means by which teachers can increase the probability that a behavior will occur in the future.

Social reinforcers

A smile Praise A thumbs-up Clapping or cheering from others Choosing a partner for an activity Having lunch with a significant adult

When should positive consequences be applied?

After a student follows a rule or procedure, his or her teacher can provide a positive consequence.

Listen as Lauren Acevedo discusses how she uses a token system in her classroom

In my classroom, I have "Bear Bucks," which are just essentially little tickets that I pass out, and on there it has a place for the student to check if they got one for being respectful, responsible, or safe, and they write their name on them.

Listen as Lori Jackman explains the importance of delivering positive consequences

It's really important to have a variety of positive consequences. Not to say that every time a child does what you need them to do you have to reward them, recognize that behavior, but certainly at the start of a management system you would want to be a little bit more heavy handed with the positive reinforcement so that they can see that here's the things that may happen if I do what's expected and here's the things that will happen in this planned sequence of things if I don't do what's expected.

Activity reinforcers

Reading a story Drawing Extra recess Distributing materials Tutoring others Extra computer time Explore a topic of interest

Social

Reinforcers that involve interpersonal interactions.

Positive consequences should be:

Something the student considers pleasant or rewarding Inexpensive Appropriate to the classroom environment Easily and quickly administered or awarded

Tangible reinforcers

Stickers Tokens School supplies Art supplies Certificates Illustrated books Educational games

What is the ultimate goal of positive consequences?

The ultimate goal is for students to regulate their own behavior by responding to intrinsic motivators (e.g., feeling proud).

What is the most common way to deliver positive consequences?

Token economy. In this method, students earn tokens or points for appropriate behavior, which they can exchange for a tangible item, the opportunity to interact with others, or a special activity.

Types of reinforcers (positive consequences) should be:

tangible social activity reinforcers