Impact of Reinforcement Strategies on Students’ Learning Behaviors in Classroom at Primary Level

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the impact of positive reinforcement in classrooms at the Primary level. The study aimed to investigate the teachers' practices of reinforcement strategies and their impact on students’ performance. A qualitative research method was used for this study and data were collected over the period of 45 days by observation method in two public schools of Lahore. Four teachers were observed for 6 days per week for at least 30 minutes. Positive reinforcement behaviour of teachers was observed. An observation protocol was developed comprising of indicators of positive reinforcement. Observation sheet was consisted of indicators along with the frequency. Indicators were framed under Skinner's reinforcement theory Likewise students of respective teachers were observed and field notes were recorded on paper. The findings of the research indicate that teachers use positive reinforcement as a part of their teaching-learning activities that are very basic in nature. Positive reinforcement enhances students’ confidence and concentration on lesson. Whereas teachers’ main focus remains mostly on specific students, the impact remains significant on low achievers and back benchers. It is concluded that teachers should use various