How to Use Reinforcement Properly

There are several types of reinforcement you can use, and it’s important to know how to use each technique properly. Reinforcement is one of our most common tools, but we often hear from other teachers and practitioners that it isn’t working. At that point, it helps to ask more questions to try to uncover the problem. If reinforcement isn’t set up properly or doesn’t set the client up for success, then of course it won’t work! Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to ensure success with reinforcement, and we dive into them here.

The definition of reinforcement is using some type of item or preferred activity to increase the future likelihood of desired behavior. Many people get this concept confused, thinking negative reinforcement is when something bad happens and positive is the opposite when in reality, the goal of both is to increase the desired behavior going forward. Another thing to keep in mind is that with reinforcement, we’re focusing on reinforcing a behavior, not an individual. Each child will have different motivators, so use their interests to come up with reinforcement that works. Reinforcement shouldn’t happen only during challenging times; it should be an ongoing process.

To get a copy of our free reinforcement checklist, click on the link below.

What’s Inside:

• The difference between positive and negative reinforcement
• Why it’s important to use your clients’ interests when using reinforcement
• The difference between a reinforcement and a bribe
• Techniques to make reinforcement work for you

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Free Reinforcement Checklist