FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which technique is a form of verbal praise that reinforces behavior?

1. Providing a snack

2. Giving compliments

3. Offering time off

4. Threatening consequences

The correct answer is: Giving compliments

Verbal praise, such as giving compliments, is a powerful technique for reinforcing desired behavior. This method involves expressing approval and recognition of a student's actions or efforts, which not only boosts their self-esteem but also motivates them to continue exhibiting those behaviors. When a student receives positive verbal feedback for their hard work or cooperative behavior, it reinforces the idea that such actions are valued and encourages them to repeat those behaviors in the future. In contrast to the other options, which do not serve the same purpose, providing a snack or offering time off can be seen as incentive or reward-based strategies, but they do not directly communicate the value of the behavior itself. These methods can be effective in certain contexts, but they lack the immediate personal impact that verbal praise has on reinforcing specific actions. Threatening consequences, on the other hand, typically create an atmosphere of fear rather than motivation, which can lead to anxiety and deter positive behavior rather than encourage it. Therefore, using verbal praise, such as giving compliments, is recognized as the most effective technique for reinforcing desired behaviors in educational settings.