Rewards
FYI. I created a great reward for my students. I created a lottery type scratch-off, if the students get three matching symbols they are rewarded with bonus points (for tests & quizzes), take a quiz off, and other prizes like donuts for the class. They earn the tickets by answering questions in class. It motivates them to work outside of class to be prepared.
If you would like more details, email me zawora@antonelli.edu
Hi Edward,
WOW! Great idea. I think that many other instructors can benefit from this motivational tool.
Gary
Absences are a problem in my class, so I do something similar. Students who have perfect attendance for a week receive a certificate. If they have perfect attendance for two weeks they receive a small prize. If the class has perfect attendance for two days the receive a reward such as donuts homework pass or points on the next test.
I was not sure if this would be motivating, but I found the students collected their individual certificates, and they would remind me if I forgot.
Hi Edna,
I think anything you can do to encourage attendance is good. From the simple like the certificates to the food rewards. I know as an instructor I want the students there and I will do anything I can to keep them engaged and encouraged to be there.
I am always amazed that students will pay a large amount of money to enroll in a career program and then not come. That is certainly not a good Return on Investment (ROI) the key point that everyone should operate from. What will be the return for me? Not coming to class will not help with skill development though sometimes I think students think they will just absorb the skills just by enrolling.
Gary
I like your idea BUT.. what happens to the student who causes the class not to get perfect attendance? I would think they would harass that person.
We use a system wjere the top student gets an award at their graduation. They can also receive awards for attendance,GPA,etc. This is explained to the students the first day of class and gives them all a goal to strive for.
Hi Frederick,
Good ideas all. These rewards give the students to strive for and remember when they are tired and tempted to pull the plug. Keeps the light at the end of the tunnel shining for them.
Gary
