Behaviorism

Reinforcers

• Unique to each student

• Primary, secondary, positive, negative– All encourage behavior

Practical Reinforcers

• Self-reinforcement• Praise• Attention• Privileges• Activity

Reinforcement (Premack Principle)

• Grades and recognition

• Home-based reinforcement

• Tangible reinforcers• Food

Other methods

• Report cards– Academic– Behavioral

Punishers

• Also unique to each student

• Use only when reinforcement has failed– Mildest form, part of plan, consistent

Positive & NegativeReinforcer Punishment

Positive

Negative

Shaping

• Break tasks down into smaller sections

• Attainable criterion

• Successive approximations

Shaping“Students should be reinforced for

behaviors that are within their current capabilities but that also stretch them toward new skills.” – sound familiar?

Extinction

• Beware of the “Extinction Burst!”

• Don’t be afraid to tell students what you’re trying to do

Schedules• Fixed (and continuous) v. Variable (or

intermittent)– When to use each?– Set high standards

In the Classroom…

• Teach a new skill

• Begin with continuous reinforcement

• Make behaviors explicit at the beginning

In the Classroom…

• Reminders that certain behaviors are expected (not always verbal)

• Give feedback about specific behaviors

• Make reinforcement intermittent as they learn more

Applied Behavior Analysis

• Identify target behavior(s) and reinforcer(s).

• Establish a baseline for the target behavior.

• Choose a reinforcer and criteria for reinforcement.

• If necessary, choose a punisher and criteria for punishment.

Applied Behavior Analysis

• Observe behavior during program implementation, and compare it to baseline.

• When the behavior management program is working, reduce the frequency of reinforcement

Main Points• Consequences of current behavior

determine future behavior

• Try the least elaborate or tangible reinforcers first!!!