PRINCIPLE 9: POSITIVE CONSEQUENCE

DEFINITION
Positive Consequence
 Refers to the beneficial outcomes that assessment can bring about for
students, educators, and the educational system as a whole.
o This states that the results of the assessment can be used in order to
continuously motivate students to learn, through the use of positive
reinforcements.
 It should motivate students to learn.
o Positive Consequences can be associated to the theory of Behaviorism,
particularly the concept of conditioning. Positive Consequences motivate a
student to learn through giving positive reinforcements, like awards. That
whenever a student does good in their studies or academic responsibilities, they
receive rewards or positive reinforcements, and in turn, they will be more
motivated to work hard for their studies, in order to continuously receive more.
 Let it be a promise, not a threat
o In connection to the conditioning concept, positive consequences should serve
as a promise, allowing the students to motivate themselves in order to receive
positive rewards, rather than the students being threatened and scared because
they are conditioned to believe that bad results would also mean punishment or
negative reinforcements.
 It should promote and encourage effective teaching/instruction
o As stated earlier, positive consequences should be able to motivate students to
learn and do more. Not only that, it should also give way to improve the
teacher’s instruction through assessing whether or not these are effective,
based on the results of the assessments. This would then allow the teacher to
adjust or change his/her teaching or instructional strategies to more effective
ones, depending on the students.
 It is less meant to prove but more to motivate.
 Emphasizes that assessments should not only measure learning but also
promote it.
 Can include informing instructional decisions, motivating students, and
improving the overall quality of education
EXAMPLES
ELEMENTARY HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Level 1  Verbal Praise  Smiles
(Free and Frequent)  Smiles  Thumbs Up
 Stickers  Verbal Praise
 Rubber Stamps  Notes or Calls home
 Thumbs Up  Student of the day
 High Five
Level 2  Special Privileges  Student of the
(Intermittent) like teacher’s Month
helper for the day  Certificate of
 Classroom recognition
currency  Special Seating
 Special seat  Computer Time
Level 3  Field Trips  Honor Roll
(Strong and Long Term)  Recognition to the  Field Trips
principal  Recognition by the
 Student of the principal
Week  Time to pursue a
 Honor Roll personal project

 Level 1: Generally effective and delivered easily during most classroom activities
 Level 2: More powerful but requiring greater teacher effort
 Level 3: Requires monitoring of students on a longer-term basis and often substantial
planning

CLASSROOM WITH POSITIVE CONSEQUENCE

 Students with self-driven motivation to learn and do well in their studies.
 A student will think first before making a choice.
 Allow students time for more enjoyable activities during class.
 Students show greater willingness to demonstrate positive behavior.
CLASSROOM WITHOUT POSITIVE CONSEQUENCE
 Increase and promotion of inappropriate behaviors.
 Misbehavior is tolerated.
 Students are discouraged and are not interested to learn.
 Class will be “forced”