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I Want Your Opinion

My nephew is 14, and he is away at a residential program where he also attends school. Similar to a military academy, but not military.

In his last letter, he mentioned that in this program there is no positive attention or reward for good behavior, because good behavior is the accepted norm. Rather the only attention the boys receive is negative, when they make a mistake. For example, he just elected to run a 10 mile challenge and completed it, with a good time. At the finish line he was given his time, but no other input. He knew he was successful because he received no attention that morning!馃樀

Well I certainly love the idea of a land where good is the only accepted norm! I can't wait to visit! Geez.

I have spent my life working with children, and now dogs. I am constantly using positive reinforcement, and I'm programmed to ignore as much negative behavior as I can,
in the interest of not rewarding it.
This new concept is blowing my mind.

The nephew is doing great, his attitude is upbeat. What do you think of only acknowledging the negative? Does that even work?
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SW-User
I think most studies have shown positive reinforcement to be more effective to change behaviors.
EmilyEdith56-60, F
@SW-User yep and I don't think that's really changed in like 30 years. You reinforce the behavior you want to see.
acpguyC
@SW-User Those studies were produced by liberals trying to justify there own existence and to get a pay check for not doing much that is reality.
acpguyC
@SW-User The "reinforcement" they get is doing a good job and winning this is far better than being a loser or less than first and being rewarded as our liberals do today.