Tips for Using Positive Reinforcement

Effects of Positive Behavior = an increase in or the maintenance of appropriate

behavior

Provide Reinforcers Immediately and Consistently Following Behavior

• The effects of positive reinforcement will be enhanced if the reinforcers are delivered immediately following an appropriate behavior.

• The reinforcers have to be delivered consistently over time.

• Goal of positive reinforcement strategy is to strengthen the appropriate behavior to replace the challenging behavior in achieving the same function.

Concept of Continuous Reinforcement:

Reinforcers should be delivered each time the appropriate behavior occurs and

each time the appropriate behavior occurs.

The immediate and consistent delivery of reinforcers strengthens the bond betweenappropriate behavior and desirable consequences

Once the bond between appropriate behavior and positive consequences is strong

and the appropriate behavior is satisfactory, delivery should be changed to intermittent

and delayed delivery schedules.

Provide Reinforcers Contingent on Appropriate BehaviorPositive reinforcers strengthen the

behavior that they follow.Therefore, a reinforcer should be

delivered only after the appropriate behavior has been emitted.

Ms. Champs told her students that if she let them watch a movie (potential reinforcer), they would need to complete their study guides (appropriate behavior).

Ms. Champs wondered why the students did not complete the study guide.

Vary ReinforcersStudents may become tired (satiated) of the same consequence when it is

used as a positive reinforcer

Vary the types of reinforcers available to students to avoid satiation.

Ms. Horst used magazines as a reinforcer for appropriate behavior…

As Tenisha found out…

Only magazines!

Have a variety of reinforcers available for the students:

Magazines

Computer games

Extra recess

Class Games

Social phrase, attention, interaction:“Great paper you wrote.”

Tangible objects:Notes to parents

Rock and Roll

Ask the kids what they like…

Individualized ReinforcersNot all stimuli will function as reinforcers for

all students. Therefore, reinforcers need to be

individualized.

You might ask students to identify reinforcers.

Or you might provide students with a menu or a list of potential reinforcers

And ask them what they prefer.

Employ Natural Reinforcers and Natural Consequences

• Natural reinforcers are the consequences that exist in the current setting and are easy to deliver.

• Praise, attention, points…

• Natural reinforcers are often considered the logical consequences for behavior.

Employ Acceptable Reinforcers

The types of reinforcers used should be acceptable to:

• Educators• Students• Student’s Family• Administrators• Taxpayers

Do Not Interrupt Appropriate Behavior When Delivering Reinforcers

Semra had an IEP goal to increase positive social interaction with peers.

Mr. Polse noticed Semra and Abigail working together on an art project, he walked over to the girls and praised them for working together.

Semra and Abagail stopped working together.

Note to Mr. Polse: Do not interrupt appropriate behavior when delivering reinforcers.

Provide Effective Social Reinforcement

Social reinforcers may be distinguishable by vocal tone, appropriate facial expressions, gestures, language and so forth.

Vocal praise should be sincere and heartfelt.

Provide specific or descriptive praise by naming the appropriate behavior the student has displayed.

Make sure the student is paying attention when you deliver the reinforcers. In some cases the practice will need to be individualized.