Saturday, October 31, 2009

Abstract Rewards

For many years, I have used "stickers" as a reward for my students.  They earn stickers by participating in class.  I put the stickers on index cards, one per student, and they earn the card after it has five stickers on it.  The card may then be used as a homework pass, or the students may save the card for points on the exam.  I have found that the students will compete for these stickers, even though they are a tangible reward.  I think that they are also a form of recognition and praise, in addition to being tangible rewards.
 
Dr. Marzano is a proponent of giving rewards in the form of recognition and praise instead of tangible rewards like candy or prizes.  Which kind of rewards, if any, do you use and find most effective? 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I did use stickers and candy when I taught high school-- and they did compete and it did work in my opinion. They learned the material, but they did so knowing that they could get a reward at the end of their effort.

Susan said...

I teach college-age students, but I sometimes give them rewards, too. I don't do it regularly, and we usually make it a game, but it can make things fun for a day. :)