Skinner+Class

When teachers guide students toward goals by reinforcing the many steps that lead to success they are shaping the learners in the classroom, or reinforcing a desired behavior (Slavin 138).

Teachers can reinforce proper behavior to achieve the desired outcome of behavior for their classroom. Behavior can only be molded so long as it follows a proper schedule of reinforcement, or the time that elapses between oppertunities for reinforcement (Slavin 140). The schedule between intervals can be broken down into four separate categories: Fixed Ratio (FR) in which a reinforcer is given after a set number of behaviors; Variable Ratio (VR) in which the reinforcement is unpredictable; Fixed Interval (FI) where the behavior is available at fixed times; and Variable Interval (VI) where behavior is reinforced at different times (Slavin 140-2).

Classroom Examples Fixed Ratio: A student recieves a free homework pass after they have completed 10 homework assignments on time. Variable Ratio: Students sometimes get candy for turning in homework on time and sometimes take a field trip when everyone passes a test. Fixed Interval: The students get 5 minutes of free time every hour. Variable Interval: When the teacher chooses randomly which child to praise and when.

Back to main group page