What is a token economy?
According the Webster’s dictionary, a token economy is a system that is used to reward behavior that is acceptable and provide a consequence (removal of token) for behaviors that are undesirable. Many teachers use a token economy to encourage behaviors that they want to see more often in the class. Token economies are used to modify behaviors in the classroom.
In order to implement a token economy in the classroom, teachers must follow certain steps in order for the token economy to be successful for the intended student or students. The first step is that the teacher must explain the rules for the intended token economy. Students must understand what they need to do in order to receive a token or the removal of a token. Another factor for establishing a token economy is having an environment that is set up for it to be effective. When a token economy is sat up in order to reward students, it is more likely to be effective. Students enjoy being rewarded for a task rather than receiving a consequence. One of the most important factors in making a token economy successful is providing reward in a timely manner for the student. Immediacy is very important when giving students a reward. If these simple factors are followed, the use of a token economy can be very effective for the student and teacher.
Token economies are used mostly with students who have autism. Many teachers use token economies because they feel that students with autism are more successful through the use of them. When using the token economy, students are able to see what they are earning which motivates them to do their very best. Teachers need to make sure that the reinforcer that the students are earning is something that they have picked out. Students are likely to work harder if they are allowed to choose their own reinforcer.
The use of token economies is not a behavior management tool that is new to me. I have had the opportunity to work with token economies in the classroom and out. I have been a teacher for about 7 months and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I have had the opportunity to use the token economy in my class. In order to help manage my classroom, I use token economies to help reward my students for their positive behavior. I also have used the token economy to help change behaviors that were not appropriate in the classroom. so far the use of token economies have been very useful for myself and my students. I have also used token economies when I worked with individuals with autism. The use of token economies was also very useful when working with individuals that had autism. I will continue to use token economies because they have been very successful for me as a teacher.
|
|
