How Might Both Positive Reinforcement And Punishment Be Used In The Classroom?

Good question and answers.
I think any time a child does something wrong they need to know if it is serious(so they can learn), but it is necessary to back it up with positive feedback. The child's mind as you know is very sensitive and fragile. Lets say for example that a kid is always throwing stuff. YOu could say "john I appreciate your enthusiasm for sports, but now is not the time." Some kids just don't listen. (ME formally.) In my case I got a lot of negative attention and it hurt. Still does. I learned to cope. I did have to get in much trouble first though. I drove drunk..... Back to the point, you cannot constantly point out bad things in a child. Every action could be perceived to have a positive side. Even fights. Its good that the child likes to stand up for him self and "fight" for what he believes in. A very good quality not many have. Many business people have no problem contradicting there beliefs for benefit. The auto industry has had opportunities to save gas for years, but the oil companies would loose billions so lets pay them to make cars that don't get good gas millage. If john whom has a passion for how he feels was here he might say "no this is wrong"  So even though the child must be punished for fighting, you can teach him standing up for what you believe is good, but fighting is bad. YOu can teach him how to stand up for his beliefs without verbal or physical violence. The real trouble is there is  not enough parents being parents and teachers who actually care to take the time to do this for every child. Thats why children still get left behind. I feel a debate question coming on...

The students only need inspiration in the teacher. They want a teacher who can build their confidence, be friendly and at the same time be strict in his due assignments.

Corporal punishment in my view is not necessary and it is also not recommended in any modern institution. The teacher should make the students realize their mistakes and tell them about their weak points and give advise on them.

Positive reinforcement is, in its simplest form, is a reward for desired behavior. Punishment (negative reinforcement) would be a penalty for undesirable behavior. These can work very well in a classroom. Of course the type of rewards and "punishments" depend on the age of the students. Extra credit for extra work or an F for not doing an assignment are examples of both positive and negative reinforcement, but that probably work better for older students. A popular activity versus something not so much fun could work. It could be something like Blurtit does. They "reward" the top Blurters each week by displaying their names and avatars on the home page for a week. You and the students could really have fun with some thing, and it would provide an incentive for desired performance.

Punishment is not always the best thing with ANY human because simply not getting a reward is an enough punishment. Punishment disassociates children. Punishment is negative and energy is never lost only transferred to another form of energy So negative input will create a negative output like negative emotions toward the punisher (anger, resentment, disrespect...etc.) even if it is on a subconscious level it will still effect behavior in some way or another. The best thing to do is turn that negative behavior in the child into a positive one by being positive.

Well there's no way you can do one form and not the other there has to be some sort of balance. Small rewards and prise work as good reinforcement. Loss of privileges work as punishment.

I've been working with kids for over 15 years in various types of situations (daycare, camp counselor, church, teacher). Like the previous guy mentioned, it really depends on the age of the students you are teaching. I primarily dealt with younger kids 6th grade and lower. Kids generally want boundaries, but also want to know that they have a safe environment to express themselves. I have found that earning their respect first goes a long way, and from there you can get them to do just about whatever you need them to do... Perform, work harder, even do difficult assignments. Getting that respect is different for every group of kids...