Colleen Roy

Professor Mahady

SED 765 Curriculum Leadership and Coaching

21 March 2021

Module 3 PBS 1

When thinking about a time where operant conditioning has worked, I immediately am

drawn to a time in college actually where I was motivated to do really well on the three main

exams in a class in order to be exempt from the final exam. The desired behavior that was being

reinforced was the act of studying, paying attention during class, taking note, and doing well on

each of the exams. The type of reinforcement was very effective for me and for a majority of my

classmates. My teacher used negative reinforcement by taking away the need to complete the

final exam. This was a huge motivator especially since it was at the end of the semester and most

college students have a lot of work to complete. In thinking back, I don’t think another type of

reinforcement would have been quite as effective. I suppose the teacher could have offered a

positive reinforcement of giving bonus points on the exams, but I think the elimination of the

final exam through negative reinforcement was the most successful in motivating me at least.

This negative reinforcement was effective at motivating me to work really hard because it gave

me a bar to reach and left all of the accountability in my hands. It was up to no one but me

whether or not I had to take that final exam. It was surprising though that this type of negative

reinforcement was so effective because I am more of a positive reinforcement kind of person. I

love being offered special treats or bonus points for a job well done, just as the book mentions,

“it contributes to a resonant environment, one in which people feel optimistic, energized, and

safe” (McKee, 2014, p. 84).

References:

McKee, A. (2014). Management: A focus on leaders. London: Pearson/Prentice Hall.