Token System

By: Matthew McCall

Token System: What is it?

Management procedure used in classrooms having Management procedure used in classrooms having difficulties (usually emotional or social).difficulties (usually emotional or social).

A prize, or “token” is given to support good A prize, or “token” is given to support good behavior. behavior.

Tokens are collected by the students, redeemable Tokens are collected by the students, redeemable for prizes with “token” values (e.g. pencils, pens, for prizes with “token” values (e.g. pencils, pens, comic books, etc.)comic books, etc.)

Meant to be temporary, eventually replacing tokens Meant to be temporary, eventually replacing tokens with praise or other social reinforcementwith praise or other social reinforcement

In the Classroom: Step 1

Introduce children to a list or booklet of possible Introduce children to a list or booklet of possible “prizes” with corresponding price.“prizes” with corresponding price.

Include things such as tangible physical items Include things such as tangible physical items (pens, pencils) and non-physical prizes such (pens, pencils) and non-physical prizes such as lunch with the principal or activity of their as lunch with the principal or activity of their

activity choice for recess.activity choice for recess.

In the Classroom: Step 2

Create a list of defined “good activities” that Create a list of defined “good activities” that result in token reward.result in token reward.

To eliminate bad behavior, create a reward for To eliminate bad behavior, create a reward for behaviors that counteract it.behaviors that counteract it.

In the Classroom: Step 3

Designate a specific time for redemption of Designate a specific time for redemption of tokens, usually once a week.tokens, usually once a week.

Change “good behavior’s” as necessary because Change “good behavior’s” as necessary because some students may become bored or may some students may become bored or may

have learned how to cheat the system.have learned how to cheat the system.

In the Classroom: Step 4

Begin to slowly eliminate the system, create a Begin to slowly eliminate the system, create a greater cost for obtaining tokens. greater cost for obtaining tokens.

Replacing tokens with praise.Replacing tokens with praise.

<The purpose is to obtain good behavior, not to <The purpose is to obtain good behavior, not to be giving students prizes for doing what they be giving students prizes for doing what they

are supposed to>are supposed to>

Advantages

Can be modified while in use.Can be modified while in use.

Simple / Inexpensive to useSimple / Inexpensive to use

Easy for children to understandEasy for children to understand

Ensures all students are treated fairlyEnsures all students are treated fairly

Reinforces basic math skillsReinforces basic math skills

Teaches self-disciplineTeaches self-discipline

Disadvantages

Can seem unfairCan seem unfair

Causes students to only do something for Causes students to only do something for rewardreward

Can be expensive (if made that way)Can be expensive (if made that way)

May seem overwhelming if too many rules are May seem overwhelming if too many rules are implementedimplemented

Compare

I believe that McCarty from “What Motivates I believe that McCarty from “What Motivates People”, would agree as he states that People”, would agree as he states that motivation is not something that you do TO motivation is not something that you do TO people, it is something you do with people. people, it is something you do with people. Creating a “Token System” allows for a Creating a “Token System” allows for a collaborative approach to classroom collaborative approach to classroom management. Students are more likely to management. Students are more likely to follow the rules because they created the follow the rules because they created the rules.rules.

Contrast

I believe that Lunetta Williams would disagree I believe that Lunetta Williams would disagree with the method though as she speaks to the with the method though as she speaks to the negativity of utilizing extrinsic motivation. negativity of utilizing extrinsic motivation. She goes on to state that the use of extrinsic She goes on to state that the use of extrinsic motivators would lead to reduced value of the motivators would lead to reduced value of the love of learning and it would reduce the child’s love of learning and it would reduce the child’s intrinsic motivation.intrinsic motivation.

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sufoKRcHNVs

This example demonstrates the usage of the This example demonstrates the usage of the token system with an autistic child. The token system with an autistic child. The “teacher” modified the system to aid in a child “teacher” modified the system to aid in a child who is fixated on letters and spelling. I believe who is fixated on letters and spelling. I believe that the key purpose of a token system is the that the key purpose of a token system is the ability to modify it to student needs.ability to modify it to student needs.

Sources

Dillon, L. M. (n.d.). Dillon, L. M. (n.d.). Token system. Token system. Retrieved from Retrieved from http://www.appliedbehavioranalysis.com/Token%20System.htmhttp://www.appliedbehavioranalysis.com/Token%20System.htm

Lyon, Carla, & Lagarde, Renee. (1997). Tokens for success: using Lyon, Carla, & Lagarde, Renee. (1997). Tokens for success: using the graduated reinforcement system. the graduated reinforcement system. Teaching Exceptional Teaching Exceptional Children, 29(6), Retrieved from Children, 29(6), Retrieved from http://ezproxy.niagara.edu:2719/pqdlink?Ver=1&Exp=10-02-http://ezproxy.niagara.edu:2719/pqdlink?Ver=1&Exp=10-02-2015&FMT=7&DID=20490488&RQT=3092015&FMT=7&DID=20490488&RQT=309

Piper, Terrence, McKinney, Verlee, & Wick, Theresa. (1972). A Piper, Terrence, McKinney, Verlee, & Wick, Theresa. (1972). A token reinforcement procedure in a third grade inner city token reinforcement procedure in a third grade inner city classroom. classroom. Education, 93(2), Retrieved from Education, 93(2), Retrieved from http://ezproxy.niagara.edu:2709/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?http://ezproxy.niagara.edu:2709/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=11&hid=104&sid=c1cef754-4476-4cbb-9ee3-vid=11&hid=104&sid=c1cef754-4476-4cbb-9ee3-b056c914538b%40sessionmgr114b056c914538b%40sessionmgr114