A token economy is a system for providing positive reinforcement to a child or children by giving them tokens for completing tasks or behaving in desired ways. Token economies are used as a method of strengthening a behavior or increasing its frequency, because the tokens are a way of “rewarding” children for completing tasks.
Research
Within an educational setting, a token economy is a system for providing positive reinforcement to a child or children by giving them tokens for completing tasks or behaving in desired ways. Token economies are used as a method of strengthening a behavior or increasing its frequency, because the tokens are a way of “rewarding” children for completing tasks and the children can then use these tokens to buy desired activities or items (Miltenberger, 2008).
For teachers, being paid motivates us to do our jobs and to push through those tough moments when we are teaching or working to assist students with autism. How are children any different? School is their job. Sometimes they need a bit of motivation to stay there and do their job effectively. They need to get “paid” for a job well done. A token economy can “pay” your kids when they choose to work without grumbling, going through a day without a meltdown, or doing something as simple as following the schedule. Token Boards can increase instructional control in a classroom setting.
Guidelines for Implementing a Token Economy System
1. Select a tangible token that is durable and easy to manipulate.Stickers, coins, points, and buttons are appropriate tokens.
2. Create a sturdy, appropriate token board. Velcro is useful in adhering tokens to the board. To view examples go to Examples of Token BoardsExamples of Token Boards
3. Determine the criteria and rules for successful task completion and make sure that the individual understands what is required of him/her. Measure baseline of how long a student can work and start close to this baseline as a starting goal. Model appropriate behaviors if needed for comprehension.
4. Select high quality reinforcements that will be exchanged for the token.
5. Establish the ratio of exchange for the tokens and the reinforcement. Initially, reinforcement should be provided immediately after the first token.
6. Gradually increase the ratio of tokens to reinforcement as the individual is more successful in exhibiting the alternative or replacement behavior.
Resources
NPDC Token Economy Implementation Module
Materials for Creating a Token Board
References
