Positive Reinforcement to Change the Behavior - Essay Example

Abstract
Behavior alteration through rewards in order to promote positive, noticeable changes in students is the prerequisite for a teacher. Educator possesses an opportunity to influence their students in a positive manner besides imparting education. Modification in behavior is an effective tool for teaching as well as motivating students to refine and reshape their personalities and social dexterities. Positive reinforcement is one such method that every individual desires, it could be utilized to spark and activate positive and desirable behavior in students. Rewarding students for their positive behavior, generating awareness, and gratifying about the specific behavior with congruence, engenders positive behavior in students. The present article highlights the facts to induce positive desired behavior in students.
Introduction
Reinforcement is a motivation or impetus which traces along and is dependent on the behavior. It enhances the likelihood of repetition of behavior. Positive reinforcement not only possesses the potential to enhance the probability of desirable behavior but also of undesirable behavior. In behaviorism which was initiated by Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning was used to induce reinforcement. However, reinforcement should be individualized as one reward may not be appealing to the other. Positive reinforcement occurs when the reward is associated with the desired behavior. Thus, reinforcement is a drive that motivates every individual to perform a task. No one would like to work if the employer stops paying wages. In a similar manner providing students with incredible value enhances a desired behavior, it could be personal recognition that enables students to know the interest of the teacher in their activities, thereby positive and appreciated behavior of students supports them in inculcating positive changes not only in learning but also in behavior. Such positive reinforcement aids in formulating positive relationships and interactions (Web. Positive Reinforcement, n.d.).
However, the type of reinforcement is the reflection of suitable behavior. In order to reinforce the behavior of low cost it is imperative to adopt a natural reinforcement procedure that enables one to provide attention as well as an opportunity to participate. It is essential to shift the students to accepted and fundamental reinforcement, where the teacher is required to motivate the students to opt for low cost to prevent extravagance.
The Fun Theory
Simplicity of ideas, as easy as fun is considered as one of the most vital manners to change the behavior of the person for the better. One of the recent recognition was awarded to Kevin Richardson for adopting The Fun Theory to motivate more individuals to obey the speed limit. The reinforcement in such a case was the speed camera lottery. This indicates that in order to bring social change, incentives, and collaboration are highly imperative. Incentives need not be material or monetary but a kind of positive reinforcement and appreciation definitely inculcates desirable change (Web. The Fun Theory: Why fun should be used to change behavior for the better, 2010).
However, some teachers frame the opinion that reinforcement is a kind of bribe to the students (Web: Positive Reinforcement...a proactive intervention for the classroom, n.d.). In a true sense, research reveals that schools play a lead role in creating and establishing clear prospects for learning as well as positive behavior besides inculcating firm but reasonable discipline (Katz, 1997). In order to instill good behavior such as low costs a congenial school environment is imperative as students feel positively motivated if they are provided with an environment that is secure, conventional, and positive. Enhanced motivation is allied with ameliorated attainment of skills that are valuable all through life even after years of formal school education (Katz, 1997). Nevertheless, it is not easy to implement positive behavior without appropriate strategy therefore for the success of behavior reinforcement, School-Wide, Positive Behavior Supports (SWPBS) is implemented to endorse secure and methodical schools. For various positive reinforcement including a drug-free school atmosphere, and a conducive and promoting school environment, a clear definition must be set to induce positive behavior in students and staff members. This must include efficient incentives and inspirational coordination to promote desired student behavior (Sprague and Horner, n.d).
In order to motivate students to decide on low cost it is essential to talk about the cost and benefit of adopting low cost. Emphasis must be laid on explaining the long-term benefit they get in terms of monetary as well as prevention and outcomes, less stress, more power, and persuasion (Sprague and Horner, n.d).
Conclusion
Students like to do things that are rewarded not punished, as teachers punish poor behavior it is essential that some kind of positive reinforcement must be implemented to bring desirable behavior. In order to promote positive behavior naturally occurring reinforcers must be integrated for effective behavioral management. Shaping the behavior through positive and fun-filled reinforcement and encouragement provides beneficial results. Essentially an awareness is desired both for teachers and students to modify their conduct and actions. Read More