Positive Reinforcement 101

Changing Thinking to Change Student Actions

“You may tell your child, ‘Good job,’ after he or she cleans their room. Perhaps you tell your partner how good he or she looks when they dress up, or maybe you got a raise at work after doing a great job on a project. All of these things increase the probability that the same response will be repeated.” —B.F.Skinner

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Positive reinforcement is a powerful teaching strategy to use within your “teaching toolbox.” In my teaching experience, I have come across very few students who don’t respond encouragingly to positive reinforcement, whether it is certificates, public recognition, stickers, popcorn, chocolates or other goodies. I think we all (young or old) like to be recognised for the positive attributes we possess and also strive to obtain.

If you want to change the actions of the students within your class I believe you first must change their thinking. I like to modify the thinking, learning and actions of the students within my classes by incorporating instant, fun, successful positive reinforcement. I have developed and modified many approaches that I believe are worth placing inside your teaching toolbox. Adapt the ideas to suit the level and gender of the students you teach.

1. Funny Money

Create a class set of funny money which is unique to your class or school (add photos which are relevant). Students enjoy creating the money so you could run a class competition to create it. Use the money as an instant reward for positive behaviour. I reward all behaviour inside and outside the classroom including bookwork, manners, helpful behaviour, sporting or cultural achievements, etc. You will be amazed how disciplined and respectful a class will become if you wave a handful of funny money in front of them. Carry money around with you so that you can instantly find positive situations to highlight. Give each student an envelope that they can name and use as a secure place to keep their money within their desks. The students save up their money and use it to buy rewards like popcorn, chocolate bars, rulers, pens, etc. I also conduct an auction at the end of the term, which is extremely popular. I would suggest you use this reward system during one or two terms in the year only so that it doesn’t lose its appeal.

2. Caught Behaving Intelligently

This is an adaption of the “Caught being Good,” idea where students and teachers can catch students behaving in intelligent ways, write their name on a card and drop the card into a box at the front of the classroom. I photocopy the 16 “Habits of Mind” to the back of the card so students can identify any HOM that their peers are demonstrating as well as explaining the intelligent behaviour. These are then drawn out at special assemblies, Syndicate meetings, etc., for prizes, certificates or some other rewards. A letter could also be sent home to parents explaining the positive behaviour of their child.

3. “Habits of Mind” Cards

I have made up cards which have the 16 “Habits of Mind” written on them. Each card explains the habit and gives examples of how it might be seen in others. When a student demonstrates an action which can be directly related to a “Habit of Mind,” for instance, persisting on a task, the class is stopped and the Habit of ‘Persistence’ is reinforced and a card is given to recognise the behaviour. Students aim to collect all 16 HOM cards during the year. They can trade the individual cards for minor rewards or try to collect all 16 for a major prize such as CD’s or sports vouchers. We have found that students love collecting cards, similar to All Black cards found in Weetbix, and packets of chips.

4. Super 14 Squad

A teacher within my department (Ben Spriggens) came up with this strategy to highlight positive social and self- management attributes within the boys we teach. Each student can be assessed on a 1 to 5 scale for their classroom management, productivity, time- management and so on. Once they have all been assessed by their teachers they can be ranked from 1 through to however many students you have in your class, syndicate, school, etc. The top 14 students make the Super 14 Squad for that year. We announce the squad (team) around the same time as the Super 14 rugby finals to add a bit more excitement. The selected students receive a certificate at a full school assembly and also a sports voucher from Rebel Sports. By focussing solely on self-management you take away the pressure of academic achievement, so all students are on the same playing field. We have found this highly motivating, especially teaching in a single sex boys’ school. The same idea could be adapted for a netball, hockey or cricket squad. We also require all squad members to create a player profile on themselves to be displayed prominently at school.

Enjoy creating innovative and imaginative ways in which to positively reinforce behaviour that you want continued within your classes. I believe all people, regardless of their age, enjoy being rewarded for their efforts. Have fun and share your successes with others!

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Matt Allen


Matt Allen
Middle School Principal Matt Allen joined Scots College in 2013. He has an extensive history with both primary and secondary education,
in New Zealand and England, where he taught for two years. Matt is a passionate educator who strongly believes that the balance between academic, cultural, sporting and special character development is essential for establishing the vital skills needed to adapt to an ever increasing globalisation of learners.

Matt can be contacted through email:
allenm@scotscollege.school.nz