The power of positive reinforcement in teaching and learning

You surely have already had a situation when you „predicted” something long before it actually happened and cried out „speak of the devil”… However, these predictions or events do not necessarily have to be negative, we can influence them in a positive way if we learn how to conceive our wishes well. And of course, we can benefit from these positive effects either when we learn Maths, languages etc. or take an exam.

If you want to feel more self-confident or make your wishes come true, you have to repeat the positive affirmations as often as you can. For exapmle, feeling nervous about math is very common. When starting to teach math to my students, I very often face the same statements from the parents: „I was always really bad at math. I just don’t get it and never will.” „I don’t have mathematical thinking either.” „It is my inheritance for my children.” These hyperboles sound very emphatetic as parents turn to their children with understanding, but at the same time they also confirm the negative feelings for math in their children’s unconscious mind. If mom or dad says that he „just survived” math lessons and tests, kids feel that they are unable to achieve more. However, in most cases I find that the pupils have quite good math capabilities and the issue is that the school teacher just did not give enough explanation or did not approached the subject-matter in a way which is different from the pupil’s mentality and perception. After our sessions I often hear from my pupils happily: „Oh, I see now…”, „Is it really so simple?” They succeed in solving tasks and problems alone at home and then their brain blocks while taking math tests at school… the paper may have a worse result than expected. In fact, the stress brings up the negative emotional reinforcement „I am bad at math, I can’t get it” etc. thus makes the student incapable to perform and bring 100%.

This kind of math anxiety or failure, caused by the lack of self-confidence, can be overcome by taking my advice: Before tests and learning you need to use affirmations like „I’m good at math.” „I understand math.” „I’m going to write an excellent test.” „I’ll be the best in the math class.”

Positive reinforcement is a technique which can be used by parents, teachers or coaches responsible for students to modify their behavior and achievements in a positive way. By encouraging and praising the child, only positive emotions will associate with learning, practising or training. So my principle is to smile, encourage, compliment and thank for each better result of the student. Punishment or humiliation has only a negative effect on self-esteem. Emotional humiliation is the worst that students can experience, it gives them the feeling as if they did everything wrong… hence they underachieve.

Psychologists also suggest that we should give only constructive criticism. Instead of saying, “You didn’t do this correctly,” we might say “Let’s try to solve this task again in a different way…”. An example from everyday life would most likely sound, thus: “I can see you’ve made a lot of progress in cleaning your room. I think your dresser and bookshelf still need dusting, though.”

How does positive reinforcement work?

With the help of positive self-programming, you will be able to modify your negative routine. The most compelling benefits of this method are: it strengthens your own character, transforms your bad old habits and you can create anything for yourself. Regular repetitions can help you achieve your goals.

If you begin consciously paying attention to your thoughts and words, using them for creating and repeat affirmations on a daily basis, you can experience what power lies within. The same fundamental technique can be found in Silva Method, in mantras or in prayers as well. Faith in our own words, meditative concentration and the power of our hopes lead us to our goals. 

Are you dreaming of being the best in the class or passing a language exam in 6 months? Everything is possible if you believe in it. However, first set your goal(s) clearly. Then say it to yourself every day: „I will be the best, I am the best in the class, I do my best day by day and I will succeed.”

How to create your own positive reinforcement?

Any positive statement can be a confirmation for yourself. It will have an effect on your subsconcious mind and generate the positive changes. The most important is that you choose a word or a sentence which makes you feel totally good and its meaning gives you inner peace and hapiness every time you are thinking of it. These feelings contribute to the self-healing processes.

Please consider the following four points to be effective: 
1. Be present.
2. Express only one positive conclusion.
3. Be brief and specific.
4. Repeat them regularly.

These examples can improve your learning achievements: 

I am receptive. 

My memory is excellent. 

My logic is very good. 

I learn quickly. 

I have stamina. 

I am successful.