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Reinforcement Theory: or Changing and Keeping Desired Behaviors
Reinforcement Theory: or Changing and Keeping Desired Behaviors
Types of Reinforcement
Concrete-A tangible item given to the student or students after they have displayed a positive behavior.
Social-Attention given to the student by peers, significant adults in the students lives, or heroes who support the students positive behavior.
Think about.
The types of concrete reinforcers you are using in your classroom. Are they effective? Are you using varying types? Are you moving away from concrete reinforcers?
Scenario .
A kindergarten student has problems completing difficult tasks, although the teacher knows he is very capable of doing the work. He LOVES the male first grade teacher. Everytime he stays on task, he is allowed time at recess with the first grade teacher. A prime example of social reinforcement
Youre probably thinking. That kid is not in my class but do these look familiar?
Those were the kids the teacher in Dangerous Minds had to deal with.
Low socio-economic
Unmotivated
Key Learning.
When the students refuse to work, you have to start somewhere to move them toward the learning..
How well do you know Dennis the Menace? Would punishment help?
Say to yourself, Finally, and do not acknowledge him because he is finally doing what everyone else does. Give him a pat on the back and say, Its good to see you here on time! Embarrass him by saying, Well, finally! Look whos here!
Key Learning
To change a behavior permanently, the positive reinforcement must continue until the behavior becomes natural. This is why we often fail to help a student change a behavior..we dont reinforce the behavior long enough.
Scenario .
John is a blurter. Every time you ask a question, he yells out the answer. Dirty looks do not help. Finally, you keep him after class and discuss his immature behavior with him. The next day he frantically raises his hand when you ask a question. You
Scenario continued..
(1) Ignore him because he is finally doing the right thing and others are finally getting to answer. (2) Call on him at the end of class. (3) Call on him immediately and tell him privately how much you appreciate his improved behavior.
Well talk later about students who need punishment, negative reinforcers, of extinction..but for now Which students would benefit from the use of positive reinforcers.. REMEMBER: all students are different.our job is to choose the right reinforcer for the right student. CAN YOU THINK OF A STUDENT YOU TEACH WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT? AFTER THIS POWERPOINT, WILL YOU CHANGE YOUR METHODS OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?