Definition of Praise
Praise is a form of positive reinforcement that combines attention with a positive verbal statement.
Definition of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is when an event (usually a pleasant one) occurs immediately following a behavior and as a result, the behavior occurs more often in the future.
Advantages of Using Praise
- Strengthens (positively reinforces) behavior
- Builds self-esteem
- Promotes relationship development
- Leads to a more positive environment
When and How to Use Praise
- Occasions for Using Praise:
- Use praise when the individual’s behavior matches the program’s expectations
- Use praise to reinforce any behavior you would like to see more often
- Use praise any time there is a small improvement in behavior
- Praising effectively includes the use of both Behavior Specific Praise and Non-Specific Praise, at a 4-1 ratio.
- In other words, staff should strive to praise an individual 4 times for every negative or corrective statement given.
- Using praise is like building a bank account. The more you deposit, the bigger the “account” (i.e. the better the relationship). When a “withdrawal” must be made (i.e. delivering a negative or corrective statement) the account will be able to withstand the withdrawal.
Behavior Specific Praise
Behavior Specific Praise is a positive
statement intended to reinforce the desired behavior of an individual that acknowledges the individual by name (or in a manner in which he/she knows who is being praised), specifically describes/identifies the individual’s behavior, and incorporates a term of praise.
Examples:
- "Jon, nice work - you cleaned up your area!"
- "Way to go. You’re using your coping skills, Lynn."
- "Great job waiting your turn." (while standing near and looking at the individual)
- "Good matching." (while teaching/interacting with the individual 1:1)
Non-Specific Praise
Non-Specific Praise (a.k.a. Positive “Other”) is a positive statement intended to reinforce
the desired behavior of an individual that does not include all of the elements and steps of Behavior Specific Praise.
Examples:
-
“Jon, your area is cleaned up – it looks nice.”
-
“Thanks for using your coping skills, Lynn.”
- “Alex, good job not being disruptive.”
-
“Great job.” “Thanks.” “Awesome.” “That’s nice.” “Good work.”
Elements of Behavior Specific Praise
- Includes the individual’s name or other acknowledgment
so that the individual knows he/she is being praised
- Describes the individual’s positive behavior
- Is convincing
- Is varied
- Is not disruptive
Steps for Delivering Behavior Specific Praise
- Identify the specific behavior to praise.
- Decide if the behavior qualifies for praise.
- If so, acknowledge the individual by name (or in a manner in which he/she knows who is being praised).
- Incorporate a term of praise*.
- Describe the behavior.
Note: Steps 3, 4 and 5 can be performed in any order.
*Terms of Praise (Step 4)
Examples:
- Good job
- Great job
- That’s awesome
- Way to go
- Well done
- Fantastic work
- Outstanding effort
- You’re super
- Wow
- That’s the way!
- You did it!
- Good, amazing, excellent, wonderful, nice, ...
