ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

In a token economy, what is typically provided to students as a reward?

1. Money for passing grades

2. Stickers, stars, chips, or privileges

3. Written feedback from teachers

4. Extra homework assignments

The correct answer is: Stickers, stars, chips, or privileges

In a token economy, tangible rewards such as stickers, stars, chips, or privileges serve as positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors in students. This system allows students to earn tokens through specific actions, such as completing assignments, participating in class, or demonstrating good behavior. The tokens can then be exchanged for meaningful rewards, promoting motivation and engagement in the learning process. These rewards are often visually appealing and easily understood by students, making them effective in shaping behavior. By utilizing a system that includes tokens or similar rewards, teachers can create a structured environment where students clearly see the link between their behavior and the rewards they can attain, fostering a sense of achievement and encouraging continued positive behavior. This method aligns closely with behaviorist principles in educational psychology, which emphasize reinforcement to encourage learning and growth.