Tips for Using Positive Reinforcement

1. Tips for Using Positive Reinforcement Effects of Positive Behavior = an increase in or the maintenance of appropriate behavior

2. 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.

3. 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 between appropriate 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.

4. Provide Reinforcers Contingent on Appropriate Behavior Positive 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.

5. Vary Reinforcers Ms. Horst used magazines as a reinforcer for appropriate behavior… As Tenisha found out… Only magazines! Students 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.

6. 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…

7. Individualized Reinforcers Not 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.

8. 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.

9. Employ Acceptable Reinforcers The types of reinforcers used should be acceptable to: • Educators • Students • Student’s Family • Administrators • Taxpayers

10. 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.

11. 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.