A teacher does not know how to handle one of her students. During her lessons, the student makes funny faces at her. The student is looking for attention from the teacher but disturbing nobody else in the class. Every time the student does this, the teacher stops the lesson and asks him why he is making faces. He doesn't answer her and continues to make the funny faces. The teacher wants to use positive reinforcement to encourage a change in this behavior. Which of the following is MOST LIKELY to change the behavior of this student with positive reinforcement?
A) The teacher pays attention to the student only when he raises his hand.
B) The teacher completely ignores the student.
C) The teacher gives stickers to all of the other students not making faces.
D) The teacher moves the student's desk to the front of the classroom.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The student is seeking attention from the teacher, so ignoring the behavior completely (B) would not provide the positive reinforcement the student is looking for. Giving stickers to other students (C) may actually exacerbate the behavior and make the student feel left out. Moving the student's desk to the front of the classroom (D) may not be effective if the student continues to make faces. However, if the teacher only pays attention to the student when he raises his hand (A), this would provide positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior and may encourage the student to engage in more appropriate ways to seek attention from the teacher.

A Teacher Does Not Know How to Handle One of Her