With the use of punishment, there is not an opportunity for the student to be recognized for the behavior that is acceptable. Punishment can discourage both unacceptable and acceptable behaviors. If a student is frequently met with negative responses for behavior, the student may decrease both positive and negative behaviors. If positive behaviors decrease, the student will not have the opportunity to learn or practice acceptable behaviors. Punishment does not encourage a student to take social risks.
Praise is one form of social approval.
Just as with praise, these other forms of social approval should be given as soon as possible after the positive behavior is observed. Rules and Instructions as a Means of Increasing Positive Behaviors Rules and instructions can help the student increase positive behaviors in a number of ways. Rules and instructions can provide a guideline for what behaviors are appropriate. Students may not know what is expected of them. Learning what positive behaviors are can help speed up the identification of acceptable behaviors.