How Teachers Can Use Free Operant Preference Assessments to Motivate Students
Heyy BCBA Ruby here!
As a teacher, you’ve probably noticed that every student has different interests and motivations. Some kids are drawn to hands-on activities, while others prefer quiet reading time. When working with students, especially those with autism or other learning differences, knowing what motivates them can make all the difference in keeping them engaged and helping them succeed. That’s where the Free Operant Preference Assessment (FOPA) comes in!
In this blog, I’ll break down how FOPA works, why it’s a game-changer in the classroom, and how you can use it to increase student engagement and learning outcomes.
What is a Free Operant Preference Assessment (FOPA)?
A Free Operant Preference Assessment is a simple and natural way to identify a student’s preferred activities, toys, or interactions. Unlike structured assessments that require students to make specific choices, FOPA allows them to freely explore an environment while teachers observe which items or activities they engage with the most.
Think of it like recess: when students are given free time, they naturally gravitate toward certain activities. Some might head straight to the swings, while others prefer building with blocks or drawing. FOPA works the same way, but with intentional observation to identify what a student finds reinforcing.
Why Should Teachers Use FOPA?
💡 Discover Student Motivators – Knowing what a student enjoys allows you to use those interests to encourage participation in academic and social tasks.
🎯 Increase Classroom Engagement – When students are working toward something they enjoy, they are more likely to stay engaged and on task.
📝 Improve Behavior Management – Preferred activities or items can serve as positive reinforcers for following classroom rules, transitioning between tasks, or completing assignments.
⏳ Quick and Easy to Implement – FOPA is naturalistic and time-efficient—you don’t need special materials or structured testing!
How to Conduct a Free Operant Preference Assessment in Your Classroom
Step 1: Set Up the Environment
Create a space where students can freely explore a variety of activities, toys, or learning materials.
Include different types of stimuli: books, art supplies, puzzles, fidget toys, building blocks, sensory items, or technology.
Step 2: Observe Without Interfering
Allow the student(s) to move around freely for a set period (5-15 minutes).
Take notes on what each student approaches, interacts with, and spends the most time engaging in.
Step 3: Record Data
Track how long the student engages with each activity or item.
Note if they return to the same item repeatedly or if they explore multiple things.
Consider whether the student shows excitement (e.g., smiling, laughing, actively engaging) with certain activities.
Step 4: Use the Information to Reinforce Learning
Incorporate the student’s highly preferred activities into lessons and reinforcement strategies.
If a student loves drawing, allow them to earn extra drawing time after completing academic work.
If they gravitate toward sensory play, use sensory breaks as a reward for participation.
Examples of FOPA in Action
📚 Example 1: Student Prefers Building Blocks
A student consistently chooses building blocks over all other activities. The teacher integrates blocks into math lessons (counting, sorting, patterns) and allows extra block time as a reward for finishing work.
✏️ Example 2: Student Engages with Art Supplies
A student spends most of their free time at the coloring station. The teacher uses art-based activities to reinforce learning and offers drawing time as an incentive for completing reading assignments.
🎵 Example 3: Student Shows Interest in Music
A student often interacts with musical instruments or enjoys listening to songs. The teacher plays music during transitions and incorporates rhythm-based activities into their curriculum.
FOPA Tips for Teachers
✔ Keep the assessment natural and relaxed – Let students explore without pressure.
✔ Reassess periodically – Student preferences change over time, so conduct FOPA every few months.
✔ Use preferred activities strategically – Incorporate them into lesson plans and reinforcement strategies.
✔ Combine with other assessments – FOPA works well alongside structured preference assessments for a complete picture of a student’s motivators.
Final Thoughts: Why FOPA is a Must-Have Tool for Teachers
Using Free Operant Preference Assessments in your classroom helps create a student-centered learning environment where engagement and motivation are maximized. By understanding what each child enjoys, you can tailor your teaching approach, improve behavior management, and ultimately make learning more enjoyable and effective.
Want more tips on motivation and reinforcement strategies? Stay tuned for more ABA-based classroom strategies!
