The Power of 4:1 Ratio

“How to improve behavior by pointing out what students do right”

Rationale- What Does 4 Positives to 1 Negative Mean?

Students should experience predominately positive interactions (ratio of 4 positives for every negative) in all locations of school.

Positive Interactions:

Behaviorally specific feedback as to what the student did right (contingent)

Smile, nod, greeting, attention, hand shake, high five (non-contingent)

How Does 4 to 1 Happen?

Interact in a friendly, supportive manner at all times---students, parents, guests and colleagues

Initiate positive interactions by:

Making eye contact

Smiling nodding, winking

Welcoming

Offering a greeting

Asking if assistance is required

Provide positive feedback regarding appropriate student behavior

Maintain an attitude of respect and support, even when correcting student behavior

5 : 1 Ratio, It’s not Just for Kids

Business Teams:

High Performance = 5.6 positives to 1negative

Medium Performance = 1.9 positives to 1 negative

Low Performance = 1 positive to 2.7 negativesLosada, 1999; Losada & Heaphy, 2004

Successful Marriages: 5.1 positives to 1 negative (speech acts) and

4.7 positives to 1 negative (observed emotions)

Gottoman, 1994

Encourage Expected Behavior

Providing praise for correct academic responses and appropriate social behavior leads to:

Increases in student correct responses

Increases in on task behavior

Decreases in disruptive behaviors

(Sutherland, 2000)

Encourage Expected Behavior: Verbal Feedback

Tie the following to your school-wide expectations:

Be specific and descriptive

Focus on the expected positive behavior

Be timely and accurate

Make sure all comments are age-appropriate

Make sure that all comments are positive in manner (sarcasm is inappropriate because it is not always understood)

Examples of Non-Verbal Feedback

Smile

Nod

Thumbs-up

Pat on the back

High-five

Hug (when and where appropriate)

Ratio of Interactions

4:1 ratio of positive-to-negative statements

Each time you have a negative interaction, tell yourself you owe that student positive interactions

Identify specific times you will give positive feedback

Schedule individual conference time

Scan the room for appropriate behaviors to compliment

Engage in frequent positive interactions with all students

YouTube video

Randy Sprick explains the 3:1 ratio of positive to negative comments.