When it comes to learning techniques in the classroom, the more educators know about the options, the better. Positive reinforcement is one kind of technique that most educators can get behind.
The online Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) – Teacher Leader program from Youngstown State University (YSU) equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to enhance student success and lead in education.
Positive reinforcement techniques are a sure way to help students succeed, and pursuing a master’s degree in education can help solidify these techniques in your school.
What Is Positive Reinforcement in Education?
Positive reinforcement is a type of behavior management in education that focuses on what the student does well. Understanding and properly using positive reinforcement is important because children need to hear positive feedback (as opposed to just negative) in order to feel supported and keep their spirits high while learning.
An example of positive reinforcement comes from Classcraft: “…if one student isn’t putting away their marker bin like you asked, you might offer verbal praise to another student who is doing it correctly. This will reinforce the behavior you want to see and it will motivate other students to strive for good behavior.”
YSU’s Brain Based Teaching and Learning course may underline the importance of positive reinforcement techniques in the classroom as it highlights a critical appraisal of dealing with learning and teaching. This course allows teachers to reconsider their practices in light of the science of learning research provided by education, neuroscience and socio-psychology.
Examples of Positive Reinforcement in the Classroom
According to the PositivePsychology article, “5 Positive Reinforcement Activities to Use in the Classroom,” examples of positive reinforcement broadly fall into five main categories:
- Direct reinforcement: reinforcement that directly results from the appropriate behavior
- Social reinforcement: an expression of approval and praise for appropriate behavior from teachers, parents, other adults or peers
- Activity reinforcement: students are allowed to participate in a preferred activity if they behave properly
- Tangible reinforcement: items (food, toys, awards) that can be given to students if they behave properly
- Token reinforcement: when points or tokens are awarded for good behavior
Research shows positive reinforcement techniques work to control behavior and encourage learning. Additionally, academic, behavioral, social and emotional benefits come from positive reinforcement techniques.
Punishment vs. Reinforcement Effects on Students
Above all else, it’s vital for students to feel safe, supported and successful at school. Punishment and reinforcement differ for the student’s experience and learning outcomes.
According to the article, “Classroom Management: Proactive Classroom Management Strategies,” “Data has proven time and again that reinforcement is more effective than punishment at producing a sustainable change in behavior. Additionally, it is no secret that punishment or excessive negativity can bog you down.”
One reason positive reinforcement is so efficient and effective is its ability to fit into all classroom activities, including instruction, other classroom management systems, transitions and more. Using positive reinforcement is a great way for teachers and other school personnel to showcase students behaving correctly while simultaneously modeling to other students the proper way to behave without explicitly pointing them out.
Become an Education Leader and Further Your Impact
A teacher never stops learning, and this is especially true if you pursue a master’s degree in education. The online M.S.Ed. – Teacher Education – (C&I) – Teacher Leader program from YSU consists of 30 credit hours, and students can complete it in as few as 12 months.
Designed for working educators, this fully online program allows the flexibility to continue doing what you love while honing teaching abilities and deepening leadership expertise.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online M.S.Ed. – Teacher Education – C&I – Teacher Leader program.
