TEACHERS AS AGENTS OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

By Aileen L. Rodriguez

Teachers are the main agents of positive reinforcement. A simple smile can
mend our student’s heart. A pat on the shoulder can make our students feel that they
are accepted and loved. Words of affirmation like “Great job!” can create an atmosphere
that would help a student strive hard. Motivation is necessary to transfer learning. When
students are motivated, the flow of knowledge or learning would be smooth.
But also people specially parents, work hard when they are motivated or
rewarded. Of course, students are the same. They tend to do their best in their studies
because they know that they’ll get high grades or for some, their parents would treat
them to fancy restaurants or give them gifts that they wish to have. In school, we can
also use positive reinforcement to motivate our students to perform to the best that they
can.
With positive reinforcement, students are encouraged to give and do their best.
With this, students are being taught of the value of being “good” students. Thus,
teachers and people in the academe wouldn’t have a hard time in enforcing discipline.
Corporal punishments will be avoided plus friendly environment begins to unfold.
Positive reinforcement must be applied. It is the most effective way because this will
develop ones self-esteem and boost ones confidence. Moreover, they will have a
positive outlook in life.
When positive reinforcement is started, teachers would also benefit from it. If the
students are motivated throughout the year, less conflicts and problems would arise.
Positive behaviors can also be developed. The classroom would be managed very well
plus the teacher-student relationship would grow. Thus, the use of positive
reinforcement has a lot of benefits for students and teachers alike.
We teachers as agents of positive reinforcement must not fail to assess what we
establish in class. A self-reflection is also a suggestion so that the effective
reinforcements can be done again in the next set of students we might have in the
classroom.