Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement- can be very changing for the student that for the lack of a better word is "all thumbs" I look for any small item to start building i.e. even as small as being on time and in proper uniform - this has helped me turn around several student in my time teaching!
Yes, this self-esteem issue can be problematic. I appreciate the reminder to be sure students understand it is the results that are important. Encouraging students to continue to do the best they can do is important.
I agree with all of the above comments, but want to make sure that we realize that positive reinforcement should not be a replacement for making sure the student is moving in the right direction. My example of this is the modern concept of all kids getting a trophy no matter how dreadful or dedicated they are at a sport. Some will think this reward means that they are good and that they don't need to strive to do better. Making sure that the student knows that effort is applauded, but results are what count should be factored into the positive reinforcement.
Denise,
and this is positive reinforcement as it helps the student know how he/she can improve the next time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Yes you must tell the students where they fell short and allow the to correct that error. It is not fair to anyone in the class if you do not respond to the errors and articulate to the other learners as to what makes the answer incorrect but better yet what makes the answer correct and relevant to your students.
Oh wow...Hope you don't mind me using that Kathryn!!
I agree with providing positive feedback before suggesting more successful options. Many students come from broken homes today or from backgrounds where little emotional support was provided. They have low self-asteem and are doubtful of their abilites to be successful or make acheivements. It is very important to foster confidence and help build positive self images for our students. They need to know that they are equiped with what they need to be what they were meant to be. They may need "tweaking' a little first and then they are on the road to getting it right. Be positive even when giving constuctive feedback!
I use positive reinforcement to help my students accomplish class work. I also use it to enforce good behaviors. If a student takes time away from their work to help another student, I take notice and I tell them what a good job they are doing. I also give out passes for them to skip an assignment or 5 points on their test.
Bryce,
yes, the positive reinforcement is a key way to keep all learners motivated & engaged.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Positive reinforcement is a great tool to keep motivation and morale levels high. This in turn creates the means for the students to gain confidence and enables learning to occur.
Maria Estela,
yes, encouragement is great, especially if we can encourage them in the vital area of critical thinking.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
50% of the Battle is in the Mind. By positive reinforcement is giving them the mindset they can do this.
As a clinical instructor my students are given the chance to do procedures, when I noticed that they did some critical thinking. I always praise them for the extra mile that they do.
Larry,
good point as many of these students have never had that kind of positive reinforcement before.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Yes, every time you give feedback you must find at least one thing to praise first, before offering "One thing you might consider changing...." or "One thing I'd like to see you do differently...."
Start with praise and the student will feel you really were observing them, and will make them more open to receiving the "constructive criticism."
I would have to agree with that! I have found that even a negative experience can be utilized as a positive reinforcement by letting the student know that making a mistake or getting a task wrong is all part of learning. By reviewing the negative experience with the student, it provides opportunity to show the student where and how the student created the negative outcome and they typically don't make the same mistake again. You can't just tell the student that you got it wrong, you have to provide the opportunity to learn from the mistake.
