Positive Reinforcers – Discussion and Self-Study Guide
1 • What are some tangible reinforcers
6 • Identify a situation in which positive
that the student(s) you work with might
find valuable?
reinforcers might not work because the
student had a more powerful need than
to obtain the reinforcer?
2 • What are some social reinforcers that the
student(s) you work with might find
valuable?
7 • Why do you think reinforcing practice and
3 • Which one of these do you think is a
8 • Which do you think is a better use of
more useful reinforcing (praising)
statement?
A. You are such a good kid!
B. I really like how neat your writing is
today!
4 • Does giving students positive reinforcers
9 • Brainstorm some ideas about what to
feel like “bribery” to you? What do you
think the difference is between bribing a
student to be good, and using
reinforcement to encourage positive
behavior?
5 • Identify a situation in which positive
reinforcers might not help a student
because he lacks the skill, not the desire,
to perform a behavior? If a student does
lack a skill, what could you reinforce?
do when you think a student is over
focused on rewards. How could you
change the way reinforcers are being
used?
10 • How might a person’s culture influence
how he feels about reinforcers and what
they find to be reinforcing?
(HINT: Think about both social and
tangible reinforcers.)
learning of desired behaviors is important?
reinforcement and why?
A. A student earns points for using
appropriate language when frustrated.
B. A student earns points for not
swearing.
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