Evidence supports differential reinforcement as effective in increasing student achievement and creating a classroom climate favorable for learning, but only when used correctly. It offers teachers a positive way to develop skills and reduce undesirable behavior without using negative consequences. Differential reinforcement combines reinforcement and extinction in a single intervention package to increase the frequency of a targeted behavior while decreasing the frequency of an undesirable behavior. Extinction is defined as the withholding of the positive reinforcer that is maintaining an undesirable behavior. It can be either praise or a tangible activity. Reinforcement is a consequence that follows behavior and increases the frequency of that behavior. It is the delivery of reinforcement when a specified behavior occurs, and no reinforcement when there is an incorrect response (extinction).
Differential reinforcement is a basic component of many educational practices.
