{"id":10924,"date":"2013-02-26T07:47:32","date_gmt":"2013-02-26T14:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/?p=10924"},"modified":"2015-05-27T14:04:06","modified_gmt":"2015-05-27T20:04:06","slug":"positive-reinforcement-works-wonders-for-the-struggling-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/2013\/02\/positive-reinforcement-works-wonders-for-the-struggling-student\/","title":{"rendered":"Positive Reinforcement Works Wonders for the Struggling Student"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cFinish your homework or you\u2019re grounded!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don’t get those grades up, I\u2019m taking away privileges!\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever uttered these words \u2013 or others like them \u2013 you\u2019re definitely not alone. As parents, finding the best ways to help your children succeed in school can present a challen\"Star<\/a>ge.<\/p>\n

But while attempting to change your kid\u2019s behavior by threatening to enact punishments may be a completely natural parenting fallback \u2013 and, let\u2019s face it, sometimes just a whole lot easier \u2013 it\u2019s actually not the best way to help a struggling student.<\/p>\n

Though it may seem counter-intuitive, offering rewards is actually a more effective method of getting your kids (or students) to do what you want.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n

Skinner\u2019s Box<\/strong><\/p>\n

The year was 1948, and psychologist B.F. Skinner had a problem. He was trying to do something that many felt impossible \u2013 train pigeons. After all, pigeons aren\u2019t exactly known for their staggering intellectual capacity.<\/p>\n

After much trial and error, Skinner discovered that if the pigeons received positive reinforcement \u2013 in the form of a treat — every time they did what he wanted them to do \u2013 which was pushing a tiny lever — the birds learned the desired behavior very rapidly.<\/p>\n

Skinner named his method \u201coperant conditioning\u201d \u2013 and the fields of psychology, education and behavior management were never the same!<\/p>\n

The Power of Positive Reinforcement\"Festive<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

If positive reinforcement can work wonders on a bunch of pigeons, just imagine what it can do for your student! Positive reinforcement can be something tangible, like a sticker, a lollipop, or a\u00a0special certificate<\/a>\u00a0acknowledging their improved effort.<\/p>\n

Positive reinforcement can also be intangible, like a hug or a smile. Praise is effective, too. When offering verbal positive reinforcement, be specific. Tell your child exactly why you\u2019re proud of them, such as:<\/p>\n