Tag: Learning

Lessons on Learning: Positive Reinforcement

By Malcolm Towler, Guest Blogger

Reinforcement is, a “basic operant functional relation” for learning. When a type of behavior (R) is followed by reinforcement (SR) there will be an increased future frequency of that type of behavior” (Michael, 2004). Positive reinforcement, in its most basic definition, is the addition of a stimulus following a behavior that will increase that likelihood of that behavior’s future occurrence.

Example of positive reinforcement that Barbara often gives is your paycheck for the job. An additional, and more covert, example is getting ripe fruit from a particular store. When you purchase fruit at a location that is full of flavor, you tend to go back to that store to purchase more fruit. Reinforcement teaches us behaviors that we should engage in. The most important thing that maximizes the effectiveness of positive reinforcement is the schedule of reinforcement that is used, but this is a topic for a future newsletter.

Malcolm is a determined and hard-working gentleman who currently attends Bowie State University (BSU) in Bowie, MD. Mr. Towler is a published poet, plays the saxophone, and is a member of the BSU Symphony of Soul Marching Band.  He is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a goal of becoming a Biomedical Engineer.

Who Turned Off the Heat?

by Barbara Erby

This week we have experienced lower than normal temperatures in the DC area, but I’m hoping that this doesn’t ruin our Cherry Blossom Festival. I love seeing the pale pink blooms on the trees of the Tidal Basin. It reminds me of my childhood and how truly carefree some moments of life can be.

As we move further into spring (and hopefully warmer weather), it is important to keep moving forward in your home learning programs. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that you should leave your program out in the cold. You need to keep the fire stoked and the energy going so that learning continues to happen. What are some of the things that can cause the fire to go out in your home program? Well my top two so far are boredom and lack of consistency.

Boredom can quickly overtake programs. A general rule that I have learned to follow is if the instructor is bored, then the student probably is too. Some people think that kids should learn regardless and that “fun” has no place in learning, but it’s easier (and more fun) to learn about a subject that you are interested in. If you’re not interested in the topic and it is presented in an interesting way, you will still pay attention.
The second reason, lack of consistency, can take on many forms. One hour of teaching time, one week then 8 hours the next is inconsistent. Being inconsistent with teaching skills or the behavioral rules can lead to  forgetfulness or confusion. Most people don’t remember the quadratic equation that they learned in high school Algebra because it is not something that you use on a daily basis. Remember to keep skills and rules fresh your child’s mind by integrating them into daily life.

 

Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.

Your Commitment

I want you to take a no excuses approach to your child’s learning and education. I want you to do this because we won’t always be here to take care of our children and it is important that they are able to function as autonomous and productive members of the society in which they reside.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that your child needs to be able to do absolutely everything for themselves. There are a number of things that you and I can’t do and so we need to help your child reach their greatest level of independence for themselves. Whatever that may be, we need to get them to that point. I have asked that each member of my staff make the following commitment to each one of our clients. However, I am asking all of our parents to do the same for their children and those others around them. This is the first step in changing your mindset towards the education of your child. 

“From this day forward, I will do my best to ensure that (child’s name) has what they need to be the most independent individual possible today, tomorrow, and for the rest of (his/her) life.”

No big, long, drawn out declarations; nothing strange and out of the ordinary. By making that one short sentence commitment, you are saying that you are going to take a “no excuses” approach to your child’s education and independence. There may be some trials, but from here we are making a conscious decision that the only place to go is up.

 

Barbara Erby, MS

Education & Behavioral Consultant

Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC

 

Barbara Erby is an Education & Behavioral Consultant with Breakthrough Developmental Services, LLC. Barbara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University in 1999 and a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology and an emphasis in Developmental Psychology from Capella University in 2004. Ms. Erby has worked with a variety of students in the school, home, and community environments as a Direct Care Worker, Family Trainer, and an Education & Behavioral Consultant.