Teaching and education

B"H

while cruising the interweb, looking for some lesson plans, i found a discussion board on a variety of topics. one of the topics discussed was different reward systems used, and their effectiveness. instead of replying with details and variety, everyone who replied said something along the lines of, "i don't believe in rewarding people for doing what they are supposed to do."

*stares for a moment*

what? that's not what was said. in fact, that's not even a healthy use of a reward system. i believe that everything you bring into the class (physically or conceptually) should add to the lesson and rarely if ever detract. anyway, this was my response to the crazy people on that discussion board.

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in response to those who look down upon using reward methods, any constructive reward system is not intended to manage classroom behavior. it's intended to spark an instinctual love for the subject material. at the early years, children are egocentric, impulsive, and desiring more immediate reinforcement than "grades". i'm not saying give them candy for paying attention. i suggest developing a reward system along the lines of "end of year awesome field trip", and over the course of the year implement an earning system. it can be a publicly displayed sticker progress chart with a goal point. take the number to letter grade system and morph it into a number to sticker ratio. (ex. earning 80-90 earns four stickers, 90-100 = five stickers). this gives the students a permanent visual reminder, an ultimate goal to work towards, an exciting way to wrap up the school year, understand that the more you learn = the faster you achieve your goals. along side the grade to sticker ratio chart, include a penalty chart. (ex. 2x missed homework equals minus a sticker, 3 missed classes equals minus a sticker, etc.) the advantage of this negative is the worst they do is "tread water." the options they now have is at best progress and at worst remain where they are. this reinforces and builds self-esteem, as well as healthy competition, while minimizing scholastic frustration.

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agree? disagree?