Reward Me! That Ever-So-Powerful Reinforcer

By

David K. Griffin, Ed.D., BCBA-D

This issue of NASET’s Classroom Management Series was written by David K. Griffin, Ed.D., BCBA-D. The article focuses on evidence-based approaches to identifying potential rewards for students in the classroom. A definition of a reinforcer, along with a sample of research articles that focus on the importance of establishing that “True Reward”, are included. Also discussed are the various schedules of reinforcement which can be implemented to maintain desired behavior. These include continuous, interval/time based schedules and response based schedules. Specific examples for each schedule are presented. Finally, key points to remember and the importance of establishing intrinsic rewards are discussed.