1.
Introduction
Every responding pupil of the class needs social approval
of his behaviour. To satisfy his this need, he is always eager to answer each
question known to him. If the teacher is encouraging the pupils by statements
like, “good”; that is very good and certain non-verbal expressions, as smiling,
nodding the head; and paying attention to the responding pupil, the pupil
participation in the class is maximised. The main theme of the skill is that
encouraging remarks of the teacher increases and discouraging remarks decreases
the pupil-participation in the development of the learning process.
You are right if your ways are in accordance with the
following components of the skill.
2.
Components
of Skill
1.
Positive Verbal Reinforcement.
2.
Positive Non-Verbal Reinforcement.
3.
Negative Verbal Reinforcement.
4.
Negative Non-Verbal Reinforcement.
5.
Wrong use of Reinforcement.
6.
Inappropriate use of Reinforcement.
Let us discuss these expressions.
Positive -Verbal
Reinforcement : These are the
positive comments given by the teacher on the correct response of the pupil.
They are :
i.
Using words and phrases like, “good”, “very
good” and excellent.
ii.
Repeating and rephrasing pupil’s response.
iii.
Using pupils idea in the development of the
lesson.
iv.
Using extra-verbal cues, like “um”, “um”, “aha”
to encourage pupils.
v.
Using prompts like carry on, think again etc. to
help the pupil give correct response.
Positive Non
-Verbal Reinforcement : The teacher
gives comments to pupils on their correct response without using words : This
he does by : nodding the head, smiling, patting, looking attentively at the
responding pupil, writing pupil’s answer on the black boards. The teacher
encourages the pupils to participate maximally in the development of the
lesson.
Negative Verbal
Reinforcement : The teacher gives
comments on the incorrect or partially incorrect response by telling that the
pupil’s response is incorrect or making sarcastic remarks like “idiots”,
“stupid” etc. Such behaviour of the teacher discourages pupil-participation and
should not be used.
Negative Non
-Verbal Reinforcement : The teacher
shows his disapproval without using words. This involves, frowning, staring,
looking angrily at the responding pupil, when he gives wrong response. This
type of behaviour of the teacher creates fear in the minds of the pupil and
decreases pupil-participation.
Wrong use of
Reinforcement : This is the
situation, where the teacher does not give reinforcement when the situation is
demanding encouragement.
Inappropriate use
of Reinforcement : This is the
situation when the teacher does not encourage the pupil with respect to quality
of his response. He uses same type of comment for every response.
