Behavior Training for Staff/Families
The following are principles of behavior, specifically used in Positive Behavior Supports (PBS). PBS is heavily focused on the positive behaviors and targeting appropriate behaviors, reinforcing them to encourage the behavior.
The Basics
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See Some Examples
Reinforcement
Any item or activity can be a reinforcer for a behavior if the behavior is more likely to occur. For example, receiving a paycheck is positive reinforcement because you are receiving something tangible that will likely encourage you to come back to work.
Positive Reinforcement |
Negative Reinforcement |
Any item or activity can be used as a positive reinforcer, but reinforcers are very specific to each person.
The following are common reinforcers:
Notes:
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The act of taking something away that then increases the likelihood of a behavior is called negative reinforcement. Don't get distracted by the word 'negative,' it refers to the act of taking away. It is time off for good behavior.
Negative reinforcement is VERY personal. Taking away or avoiding something unpleasant to that particular person that results in an increase in the behavior is the most important piece. The following are POSSIBLE negative reinforcers:
It is important to note that this type of reinforcement can be used to replace a maladaptive behavior (hitting, screaming) with a more appropriate behavior (requesting more time or a break). |
Natural reinforcement should always be given if appropriate. For example, if a child requests a break the break should be the reinforcer, not a candy. Also, verbal praise for speaking should not be "good talking" rather a natural reward.
Punishment
Punishment is a difficult aspect of behavior to implement correctly. In order for the consequence to be truly a punishment, then the consequence must have made the likelihood of the behavior to occur reduce. If the consequence is given and the behavior does not reduce, then the "punishment" was not actually a punishment.
It is because of this difficulty in implementing, as well as subsequent misuse, we do not use punishment, as you would expect at home, in the classroom. Various blocking procedures are used, however if they do not result in a decrease of the maladaptive behavior, they are not true punishment. Please see this blog for more information on punishment.
It is because of this difficulty in implementing, as well as subsequent misuse, we do not use punishment, as you would expect at home, in the classroom. Various blocking procedures are used, however if they do not result in a decrease of the maladaptive behavior, they are not true punishment. Please see this blog for more information on punishment.
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