Classroom Strategies: The 4-1 Rule

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Describe a successful teaching practice or strategy you use. Explain why you believe it is effective. Please be as specific as possible.

A successful teaching practice that I use on a consistent basis is the use of positive reinforcement in order to motivate my students. I am quick to point out the things that a student is doing right rather than focus on what he/she has done wrong; this is sometimes known as the 4:1 rule.  Prior to criticizing a student’s negative behavior, it is important to point four positive things that are happening in the room in order to get the spotlight off the student that is seeking attention. (I.e. Student refuses to sit down and begin lesson, teacher has choice: A) Angrily redirect the student to sit down or B) Point four positive things that other people in the class are doing. “I appreciate the way Laura walked into class and sat down properly”)

By using praise as a tool, I find that a large majority of the class will fall into place due to the positive comments that are circulating around the room. If four students are given genuine praises for their behavior, the student that is exhibiting the negative model will usually try and seek positive attention.