What is an example of operant conditioning in a classroom setting?

In a classroom setting, operant conditioning refers to the process of learning that occurs through the consequences of behavior, where rewards and punishments influence future actions. In this example, providing a candy bar to every student who scores above 90% demonstrates positive reinforcement, a key element of operant conditioning. The candy bar serves as a reward for the desired behavior—achieving a high test score—and increases the likelihood that students will strive for high performance in the future to receive similar rewards.

Positive reinforcement effectively encourages students to engage in behaviors that lead to desirable outcomes, such as studying harder or participating more in class. This method reinforces the connection between achievement and reward, fostering an environment of motivation and engagement among the learners.

The other options do not align with the principles of operant conditioning in the same way. Assigning extra homework does not provide immediate feedback or reinforcement for behavior; grouping by ability doesn’t present rewards or consequences tied to individual behaviors; and offering a quieter space for tests still lacks the direct reinforcement mechanism associated with operant conditioning. Thus, the provision of candy bars clearly exemplifies operant conditioning through the use of positive reinforcement in the classroom.