The Effects of Inclusion and Positive Reinforcement Within the Classroom

Danielle Morin, Merrimack College

Abstract

The concepts of inclusion and positive reinforcement in classrooms has been prevalent within many schools for a number of years, both practices slowly becoming more universal as research is released. Separate, these practices have significant positive effects on students, and when they are treated as a duo inclusion and positive reinforcement have tangible results on both students with and without disabilities. Several studies and interviews were conducted in pursuit of the significance of each practice, with one study in particular linking the two to provide for a successful, positive general education classroom environment. The research found indicates that both practices of inclusion and positive reinforcement are indeed evidence based, as opposed to solely being practice or experience based.