Reinforcer for Dummies

Reinforcer is a word that we use to describe something that helps us learn and remember things better. It's kind of like a special reward or incentive that encourages us to do our best and feel good about our achievements. Imagine you are playing a game, and every time you score points or complete a level, you earn a gold star or a piece of candy. Those rewards, or "reinforcers," make you want to keep playing, right? Well, in the same way, when we are learning new things, having a reinforcer can make us more motivated and excited to keep learning.

Now, reinforcers can come in different shapes and sizes, just like our interests and preferences. They can be something as simple as a praise from a teacher or a parent, a high-five, or even a sticker on your notebook. It's like getting a virtual pat on the back, letting us know that we are doing a great job and that people are proud of our efforts. These kinds of reinforcers can make us feel awesome about what we're learning and boost our confidence.

But wait, there's more! Reinforcers can also be things we really enjoy doing. For example, if you love playing basketball, your teacher might let you take a few minutes to shoot hoops after finishing a difficult math assignment. This is called a "preferred activity reinforcer," because it involves doing something you love as a reward for completing your work. You can think of it as having ice cream after eating your vegetables, it's like a little treat!

Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. Reinforcers can also be objects or activities that we have learned to associate with positive feelings or rewards. It's like when a magician waves a wand and pulls out a rabbit from his hat. The rabbit becomes a symbol of magic and excitement. In the same way, when we have something called a "conditioned reinforcer," it means that we have learned to see that thing or activity as a reward, even if it's not inherently rewarding by itself. It's like if every time you finish your homework, you get to listen to your favorite song. Eventually, just the thought of listening to that song can motivate you to finish your work.

So, as a student with learning difficulties, recognizing and understanding reinforcers can be really helpful for your learning journey. It means identifying what makes you feel good and motivated, and using those things as rewards for your hard work. It's like finding the key to unlock your potential and make learning even more enjoyable. Remember, reinforcers are there to make learning a fun and rewarding experience for you!