FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes a teaching strategy that employs rewards to encourage positive behaviors?

1. Negative punishment

2. Positive reinforcement

3. Shaping

4. Intrinsic motivation

The correct answer is: Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a teaching strategy that involves providing rewards or incentives to students to encourage desirable behaviors. This approach is based on the principle that behaviors followed by positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated. In an educational setting, this can manifest through praise, tangible rewards, or recognition for good performance, which not only fosters a positive learning environment but also motivates students to engage in the desired behaviors repeatedly. By using positive reinforcement, educators can effectively promote a culture of achievement and collaboration, where students feel valued and are more willing to participate actively in their learning experiences. This strategy contrasts with other methods, such as negative punishment, which focuses on removing a positive stimulus to discourage behavior, and shaping, which involves gradually guiding students toward target behaviors through successive approximations. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its own sake, driven by personal satisfaction rather than external rewards, which distinguishes it from positive reinforcement. This understanding of positive reinforcement provides insight into how effective behavioral management can lead to improved student outcomes and foster an encouraging educational atmosphere.