Use of Reinforcement in Education

Abstract

Two randomly assigned sections of general psychology were taught by the traditional lecture method. Two other sections were taught by the name teacher, but divided into four groups of ten students each. These groups of students were encouraged to clarify, to elaborate on, to illustrate and to develop the implications of the main concepts in their textbook. They were asked to take the time to become acquainted and to develop a friendly atmosphere wherein all group members would feel comfortable and free to express themselves. Each was to have some responsibility for drawing out the other members of the group and to work toward clear statements on the part of himself and his fellows. The instructor went from group to group but did not teach in the traditional sense. lie served as a reinforcer to these students. The two experimental sections showed increased test scores which were beyond the .001 level of significance.