Operant Conditioning

Definition: Operant Conditioning (instrumental Conditioning)- a form of learning in which the consequences of behaviour produce changes in the probability that the behaviour will occur.

The Kinds:

Positive Reinforcement : add something to increase positive behaviour
              Example: Students bring back their agendas- obtain a sticker. Accumulate 5 stickers earn a prize.

Negative Reinforcement : take something away to increase positive behaviour
              Example- Take a sticker away if the student forgets it twice in a row.

Positive Punishment : administration of an unwelcome consequence
              Example: Call the students parents- remind them to sign their child's agenda and to ask their children to put it back in their nap sack right away because they have been forgetting it at home. May be have a specific time in their schedule when they do this.

Negative Punishment : removal of a valued item
              Example: Have the student miss out on 5 minutes of their free time.
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Goal of Reinforcement-- Increase desired Behaviour
Goal of Punishment-- Decrease undesired Behaviour
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Some examples I have seen teachers implement for classroom management:
Pos. Rein. - "Kindergarten! Great job walking in the hallway quietly with your hand on hip and finger on lip! I think we can go outside 2 minutes earlier then everyone else for recess!"
 Neg. Rein. - Everyone practices their sight words and obtains a 85 average take away one bad sight word test.
Pos. Pun. - Homework not done you have to pay a fine with you bunny bucks. (money to buy with from the classroom store)
Neg. Pun. - Sit in desk and read while everyone else has free time.

Operant Approach is said to be effective for short term periods.