Systematic reinforcement: academic performance of underachieving students.

The researchers set up a point system in a late-elementary classroom. Kids earned points for finishing work and getting it right. They could trade points for small toys and also heard lots of teacher praise.

The team used an ABAB reversal design. They turned the system on, off, on again, then off again to be sure the points caused the change.

When points plus praise were in place, students worked longer, finished more work, and made fewer errors.

After the last removal, accuracy and output stayed high even though work time dropped back to baseline. The social praise alone kept the academic gains alive.

Lydersen et al. (1974) ran the same token-plus-praise setup and found the same jump in work, plus disruption almost vanished. This shows the combo helps both learning and behavior.

Petursdottir et al. (2019) kept the token idea but added a quick FBA and then faded the tokens. Their students also kept the gains, showing the field now knows how to wean kids off points without loss.

Hall et al. (1968) did it first with praise only—no tokens—and still lifted study behavior. Mann et al. (1971) added the point backup and got bigger, faster gains, proving tokens can turbo-charge teacher attention.

You can start strong with tokens and praise, then drop the prizes once accuracy is steady. The praise alone keeps the skill alive, saving you money and prep time. Try it next week: give points and praise for correct math problems, then fade to praise only and watch the accuracy stick.