Positive Reinforcement using Token Economies
Token economies are a useful classroom tool to help shape student behavior with positive reinforcement. They allow for instant feedback on whether behavior is acceptable or not and can teach responsibility. There are both benefits and disadvantages to this type of classroom management strategy and in exploring the two sides, we will determine the effectiveness of this strategy. In a token economy, a teacher will incentivize students with a token, something not of value by itself, when they do something that is desired. Every time a student does something good, they get another token, and keep collecting them until they have enough to trade in for a prize or something that has value to them. This can provide a visual reminder of how well a student is behaving in class that day. Token economies have also been shown to teach responsibility because they are in charge of keeping track of their points or tokens. This type of conditioning could also do the opposite and reinforce behaviors like external motivation for rewards or students comparing themselves with their peers. Overall, when thoughtfully done, token economies can lead to students working and behaving intrinsically and not for the additional resources of rewards.
EDUC 330, Child Development
Brian Kaelin
10 AM – Noon