Positive reinforcement is a process that strengthens the likelihood of a particular response by adding a stimulus after the behavior is performed. Negative reinforcement also strengthens the likelihood of a particular response, but by removing an undesirable consequence.

Negative reinforcement involves the termination, reduction, or postponement of a stimulus contingent on the occurrence of a response, which leads to an increase in the future occurrence of that response. Negative reinforcement leads to an increase in responding, whereas punishment leads to a decrease in responding.

In positive reinforcement, a pleasant consequence is added as a result of the behavior. In negative reinforcement, an unwanted or unpleasant consequence is removed as a result of the behavior.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach that is used to support behaviour change in a child or adult with a learning disability. PBS suggests challenging behaviours are learned, and so are open to being changed. PBS teaches alternative behaviour and changes the environment to support the person well.

One important advantage of using positive reinforcement is that students actively enjoy being present and learning in the classroom. Use of positive reinforcement leads to heightened enthusiasm in students – and even the teacher! Furthermore, it can allow accomplishment to be celebrated as a class.

5 Benefits of Positive Reinforcement in Raising Children

• Positive reinforcement develops a child’s character.
• Positive reinforcement makes a child feel loved.
• Positive reinforcement helps develop a child’s self-esteem.
• Positive reinforcement makes you feel good as a parent.

Positive reinforcement is a type of behavior management that focuses on rewarding what is done well by students. To illustrate, if one student isn’t putting away their marker bin like you asked, you might give verbal praise to a student who is doing the process correctly to reinforce the behavior you want to see.