4 C's Rule of Reinforcement

Generalization is the sine qua non of learning. The 4 C's are the sine qua non of reinforcement.

Do you want to "foresee" success? Do you want to "4 C" students improve in conjunction with your lesson plans, behavioral objectives, annual goals, task analyses?

Not a problem: Remember the '4 C's' of reinforcement:

Reinforce

      (1) contiguously (immediately);

      (2) contingently ("if...then": if correct, then reinforce);

      (3) consistently (always follow the same reinforcement procedures);

      (4)continuously (long-term: lean the reinforcement schedule; that means, reinforce less frequently over time and stress over time social praise ["Great work!", "Fine job"] rather than material "pay-offs.")

Follow these four sub-rules of instruction and reinforcement will get the job done time and time again. Well-designed computer software is very effective in helping the busy classroom teacher ensure that the "Four C's" rule is followed. (See more on this 4C discussion under Lesson Plans elsewhere on this website.)