As an educator with over two decades of experience in the field, I've observed countless classrooms where behavioral management techniques make the difference between chaos and productivity. Among the most powerful tools at a teacher's disposal is the strategic use of reinforcers. But what exactly is a reinforcer, and how can educators effectively implement reinforcement strategies in their classrooms?
A reinforcer, by definition, is any consequence that increases the likelihood that a specific behavior or response will occur again in the future. When we examine the learning environment, reinforcers serve as the cornerstone of successful behavior modification programs and can dramatically transform classroom dynamics when applied correctly.
There are two primary categories of reinforcement: positive and negative. Contrary to common misconception, these terms don't indicate "good" versus "bad" but rather refer to whether something is added or removed from the situation. Positive reinforcement involves adding something desirable after a behavior occurs, while negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant or aversive.study.com
Let me clarify with examples that illustrate this distinction. When a teacher provides verbal praise after a student completes an assignment, that's positive reinforcement. The praise is added following the desired behavior of assignment completion. Conversely, if a teacher removes a required homework assignment after students have participated actively in class discussion, that's negative reinforcement. The removal of the unpleasant task (homework) reinforces the desired behavior (participation).
Within these broad categories, reinforcers can be further classified as primary or secondary. Primary reinforcers are naturally reinforcing because they satisfy biological needs – things like food, water, and comfort. These don't need to be learned but are inherently motivating. Secondary reinforcers, on the other hand, acquire their reinforcing properties through association with primary reinforcers or other secondary reinforcers. Money, grades, tokens, and social approval fall into this category.study.com
For classroom implementation, I've found that reinforcers generally fall into five distinct categories that teachers should consider:
- Social reinforcers – These include teacher attention, peer recognition, and positive feedback. A simple "Great job!" or a high-five can be remarkably effective across all age groups.
- Activity reinforcers – These leverage students' natural desire for certain activities. Examples include extra computer time, being line leader, five minutes of free reading, or listening to music with headphones while working.
- Tangible reinforcers – Physical items like stickers, pencils, bookmarks, or small toys can motivate students, though they should be used judiciously due to cost considerations.
- Edible reinforcers – While candy or small food treats can be highly motivating, I caution educators about using these due to dietary restrictions, health concerns, and the potential to create unhealthy associations with food. Always consult with school administration and parents before implementing edible reinforcers.
- Escape reinforcers – These allow students to avoid something they find unpleasant, such as homework passes, reduced assignments, or early dismissal from an activity.classroomcheckup.org
For reinforcers to be truly effective, they must meet certain criteria. First, reinforcement must be age-appropriate – what motivates a first-grader rarely excites a high school student. Second, reinforcers should be delivered as immediately as possible after the desired behavior occurs. The longer the delay between behavior and reinforcement, the weaker the association becomes.www.iidc.indiana.edu
Third, reinforcers should be delivered with enthusiasm that conveys the significance of the student's achievement. Fourth, they must be provided frequently enough to establish and maintain the desired behavior. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the reinforcer must be genuinely valuable to the student.classroomcheckup.org
This last point cannot be overstated. What works as a powerful reinforcer for one student may have no effect on another. This is why effective teachers don't simply select reinforcers arbitrarily but systematically identify what motivates each student or class. Methods for identifying reinforcers include reinforcer surveys and reinforcement sampling for students with limited communication skills.www.iidc.indiana.edu
When implementing reinforcement strategies, begin with continuous reinforcement – providing the reinforcer every time the target behavior occurs. This establishes a clear connection between the behavior and the consequence. Over time, as the behavior becomes more consistent, shift to intermittent reinforcement schedules to maintain the behavior while gradually reducing dependency on external rewards.
It's also crucial to pair reinforcers with behavior-specific praise. Instead of merely saying "Good job," specify exactly what was done well: "I appreciate how you raised your hand before speaking." This not only clarifies what behavior is being reinforced but also helps students develop intrinsic motivation as they begin to associate positive feelings with the praised behavior.
Educators must also be mindful of deprivation and satiation. A reinforcer loses effectiveness if a student has unlimited access to it outside the reinforcement context (satiation). To maintain potency, ensure that access to the reinforcer is somewhat limited and provide a variety of reinforcers to prevent overuse of any single one.www.iidc.indiana.edu
In my years working with diverse student populations, I've found that the most successful reinforcement systems are those that evolve with students' changing interests and developmental needs. Regular reassessment of what motivates students ensures continued effectiveness of your reinforcement strategies.
Remember that the ultimate goal of reinforcement is not to create dependency on external rewards but to eventually fade these supports as students develop intrinsic motivation. When implemented thoughtfully, reinforcement becomes not just a behavior management tool but a pathway to helping students discover the natural rewards of learning and positive behavior.
