Skinner's Key Ideas 1. Behavior is shaped by its consequences, by what happens to the individual immediately afterward. 2. Systematic use of reinforcement (rewards) can shape students' behavior in desired directions. 3. Behavior becomes weaker if not followed by reinforcement. 4. Behavior is also weakened by punishment. 5. In the early stages of learning, constant reinforcement produces the best result. 6. Once learning has reached the desired level, it is best maintained through intermittent reinforcement, provided only occasionally. 7. Behavior modification is applied in these two main ways: * The teacher observes the student perform an undesired act; the teacher rewards the student; the student tends to repeat the act. * The teacher observes the student perform an undesired act; the teacher either ignores the act or punishes the student, then praises a student who is behaving correctly; the misbehaving student becomes less likely than before to repeat the act. 8. Behavior modification successfully uses various kinds of reinforcers. They include social reinforcers such as verbal comments, facial expressions, and gestures; graphic reinforcers such as marks and stars; activity reinforcers such as free time and collaborating with a friend; and tangible reinforcers such as prizes and printed awards.
The Skinner model can be a powerful model for classroom teachers, one that can be easily modified and implemented with students of all ages and backgrounds.
Types of Reinforcers
Types of reinforcers commonly used in schools fall into four categories:
1. Social.
Social reinforcers consist of words, gestures, and facial expressions. Many students work diligently just to get a smile, pat, or a kind word from the teacher. Some examples are: * Verbal * OK. Wow! Excellent. Nice going. Exactly. Right. Thank you. I like that. Would you share that. * Nonverbal * Smiles, winks, eye