In a 'token economy', what do students earn that can be exchanged for rewards?

In a 'token economy,' students earn tokens that serve as a form of currency within the classroom system. These tokens can be accumulated and later exchanged for various rewards, such as privileges, treats, or other incentives that promote positive behavior and motivation. The use of a token economy is a behavioral management strategy that helps reinforce desired behaviors in students by providing them with tangible rewards for their accomplishments and adherence to rules.

The structure of a token economy is based on principles of operant conditioning, where students learn to associate certain behaviors with positive outcomes. By earning tokens for exhibiting good behavior or completing tasks, students are motivated to engage in activities that will help them earn more tokens. This method encourages a positive learning environment and fosters self-discipline as students strive to meet specific behavior expectations.

In contrast, the other options—grades, good behavior reports, and class participation points—serve different purposes within the educational context and do not function as a currency within a token economy framework. Thus, tokens are indeed the correct answer, as they are the specific form of reward that students earn and can exchange within this system.