Question

A kindergarten teacher is creating a positive reinforcement program for her class in which she wants to increase the length of time they listen quietly to her reading during reading time (reading time lasts about 20 minutes). Which of the following would you recommend she use as the reinforcer?

A. Thanking the children for listening quietly at the end of the reading time
B. Providing five minutes of screen time to the children who listened quietly for the entire reading time
C. Providing a token to the children who are listening quietly approximately every two minutes throughout reading time that can later be exchanged for five minutes of screen time
D. Thanking the children for listening quietly approximately every two minutes throughout reading time

Answer 1

The best option for a kindergarten class's positive reinforcement program is option C, which provides tokens throughout the reading time as immediate and tangible reinforcement to sustain attentive behavior, leading to screen time as a reward.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario described, the kindergarten teacher aims to implement a positive reinforcement program to increase attentive listening during reading time. The most effective reinforcer among the options provided would be option C, which involves providing a token every two minutes to children who listen quietly throughout reading time, that can later be exchanged for screen time. This option applies the principle of operant conditioning with frequent and immediate reinforcement, making it effective in shaping behavior. Tokens serve as a tangible form of feedback and can sustain children's motivation better than verbal praise alone, as they accumulate a tangible reward that leads to a desired outcome.

Option A and option D, while involving positive reinforcement through praise, may not be as effective in maintaining focused behavior throughout the entire reading session because verbal thanks do not provide a tangible incentive that children can look forward to. Option B falls short as it provides a single reinforcement at the end, potentially leading to decreased attention as the session progresses.