Instructors' perceptions about the use of positive reinforcement in English language classes

This study aimed to find out the instructors' perceptions about the use of positive reinforcement in language classes and how learners respond the use of positive reinforcement from the perspective of instructors. In addition to this, the effects of positive reinforcement on motivation, corrective feedback and anxiety were examined. Finally, instructors' use of positive reinforcement was studied in detail via face to face interviews and a group discussion was made after the interview. Participants of the study included fourteen instructors at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University English preparatory program. The data were collected via unstructured interview questions and with a group discussion. All of the participants were interviewed to get in-depth data on the use of positive reinforcement in language classes. The qualitative data were analyzed through the descriptive analysis. The results of the qualitative data revealed instructors at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University use positive reinforcement in their classes as much as possible by having different aims such as motivation, value and reinforcing the improvement. It was found out that reinforcers had a significant effect on English learning as they made learners motivated and created a safe learning environment. this study also revealed that most of the learners at NOHU responded the use of positive reinforcement with a highly motivated and positive way from the perspectives of the instructors.