To make positive changes, students need a clear idea of what positive behavior is and to be positively reinforced when they demonstrate that behavior. Positive reinforcement is an event that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated. Positive reinforcement motivates students to do what they are capable of doing.
Verbal reinforcement is one of the most effective types of positive reinforcement that school staff can use. The comments should focus on what the student did right and be stated in positive language. For example, “That was a wonderful paragraph you wrote because …”
What are other types of positive reinforcement?
