One very important principle of behavioral learning theories is that consequences that follow behaviors closely in time affect behavior far more than delayed consequences do.  A small reinforcer that is given immediately generally has a much larger effect than does a large reinforcer that is given later.  This concept explains much about human behavior.

1.  A consequence can be natural or logical.  There are examples that frame logical responses to common classroom actions. For the examples to work effectively as consequences, they need  to be used dispassionately, without verbal remonstrance or blame.

2.  Consequences are environmental stimuli that increase or decrease the probability that a behavior will occur again. We want to establish consequences that will either reinforce or redirect behavior.

3.  It's important to set up a system where undesired behaviors result in fair and consistent consequences. The severity of the consequence is less important than the consistent use of it. And the more the consequence is logically related to the behavior, the more effectively it will teach a lesson.

4. Techniques compiled using information from parents, pediatricians, psychologists, gang members, and kids in prison for violent crimes. USE CONSEQUENCES, NOT PUNISHMENT. Set up a system in your family or classroom where undesired behavior results in a consequence.

5.  Consequences provide reassurance to well behaved students that the teacher will protect their physical and psychological safety while guaranteeing their right to learn.  Those consequences must be viewed by the majority of the students as being punishing in nature, but also perceived to be fair, fitting, equitable, and sufficient.

6.  Now go and take our quiz!  Our quiz comes from chapter five of Slavin's Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice.  The quiz was created by Amy Hollingsworth.