Class rewards
I teach a public speaking course. Only one student is rewarded with a special #2 pencil for the best daily presentation. A different student is rewarded each time.
I have former students come up to me and tell me they still have the pencil they 'earned' during my class.
It actually becomes competitive for this reward.
We go through highlighters. Maybe that is something that I can use. I teach a lab class so I have to be creative in order to use this a tool. any suggestions.
I think this is some kind of wonderful. It amazes what people will do for the "little things" like a piece of candy or a pen, just to show that they had achieved success and were rewarded, it is a great feeling for all.
I use rewards to help get students involved and motivated. One problem I hear from students is when the next teacher comes in and offers reward too they are burned out, they want something different. As a faculty we try to use variety techniques to encourage students to stay motivated, points from class when a quiz question is asked unknowingly ahead of time and they get it right.
I like the pencil it is cheaper than candy!
What a great idea, William! I am sure the students appreciate it and they are motivated have the best performance so they could earn the reward that day or week as the case may be.
William, awesome use of a tangible item to get them to focus away from any fears they may have in public speaking. Directing a students focus away from a more challenging task can be a very useful tool in learning.
James Jackson
Rose, for some students they may have never received something tangible to distinguish their hard work to themselves and their peers. May seem trivial to some but for these students it can be incredibly meaningful.
James Jackson
Patricia, good to hear you are collaborating with other instructors within your school. Working as individuals can be frustrating for students as their tends to be a lack of consistency or a common message. Working as a unit your institution will be much more successful. This will also allow a better sharing of resources so some instructors can hand out different rewards and everyone wins.
James Jackson
Rewards work for my class very well. I choose sticker and my adult students love them.
nutisha, well done. The focus needs to remain on your students. The more you know your students the better you can determine what types of rewards will be received the best and provide the best possible motivation.
James Jackson
Rose it's not trivial to received something tangible. Some students are the first to attend college. I'm not a teacher in the classroom....but I go into the classroom with honor roll certificates and other awards.Students no matter what age LOVE it! this has motivated other students to reach higher. they ask questions. How and what do I need to do to be on honor roll. I tell them to be on time, pass in homework and other assignments on time, work with your Instructor and classmates. Do your best. Show yourself and your family how great you're doing.
I teach Cosmetology and so there is a great amount of hands on,so I emphasis on the relevance of a lession for my students. However once in a while I like to give out prizes ,but not reguarly so they don't get use to it.
Valerie, how do you determine what type of prizes students would appreciate the most? Do you just focus on candy or do you solicit what they would like in the way of a reward when you do offer such activities? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
I use rewards very frequently to keep my class motivated. The rewards are different each time and motivates each student to go further and focus on excellence, not mediacracy
Christian, can you share some of the rewards you have provided and what students have to do to earn them? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
In our industry the overriding reward is a secure good paying job. To that end I emphasize to the students the importance of gaining as much knowledge as they can, while they are in my class. What seems insignificant and unnecessary at the time could turn into a gem stone in the future.
