Using Reinforcement Appropriately
Facts about Reinforcement:
- Use the 4:1 Ratio! Have 4 positive interactions for every 1 redirection.
- The immediacy of the reinforcer is essential! Reinforcement is most effective (meaning the response/behavior becomes more frequent in the future), when the reinforcement is given immediately after a behavior (within 0-60 seconds).
- Reinforcement loses its effectiveness the farther away in time it is delivered from the desired behavior and may inadvertently reinforce whatever behavior actually occurs right before the delivery of the reinforcer.
Behavior Specific Praise (BSP):
BSP is a statement with specific details of what the scholar did correctly; behavior that is observable and measurable. It is not enough to simply tell a scholar “good job”. They may not understand which part of what they did fulfilled an expectation.
Example: “I am really impressed that you are ready to learn with the materials you need for class; you have your notebook and pencil out on your desk. Great Job!”
Example: “I really like how you are focused and answered with a thumbs up, just like I asked.”
Resources to support student behavior:
The children in these videos may not be on the same functional level as your scholars, however, the general concepts and supports can be used across students.
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