Reward systems are very common in schools. A system used to motivate students in the classroom, and to effectively manage the behavior of difficult students. Indeed, the reward is an extrinsic motivator that encourages the student to improve certain behaviors, rather than providing conditions that facilitate his motivation and learning. So this system is a support for classroom management and it is mainly used to intervene in the face of indiscipline. In other words, the reward system is an interesting tool for managing behavioral problems in the classroom and thus fostering a climate favorable to learning. But, many teachers implement this system without taking into account the stages of application,
To better understand the rewards system, we suggest you answer the following questions: “Why do we use an emulation system? How to apply it in class? How to implement this system in primary schools, middle school and high school? :
The Benefits of Rewards Systems
Manage behaviors
Teachers use these reward systems to hold students accountable, change their behavior, improve compliance and classroom climate, and reduce disciplinary interventions.
Motivate students
These reward systems make students more motivated to learn, especially those who are struggling or less attentive.
Improve academic performance
Students who make real efforts will be rewarded. For example, they are motivated to do their homework. But the most shocking thing is that without reward, academic performance does not improve.
Foster students' self-esteem
Self-esteem presupposes an awareness of one's strengths, difficulties and personal limits. It is a determining factor in the academic success of students. These emulation systems help students to have more self-confidence. They are proud and encouraged to achieve more positive results.
The Disadvantages of Rewards Systems
Reward systems aim to improve student behavior and motivation. However, this type of system does not change the behavior of students in difficulty. Here are some other downsides:
Rewarding someone for something they can do for fun risks making them lose that fun.
Reward systems harm intrinsic motivation and hamper the acquisition of student autonomy.
They require a lot of time and management.
They reward those who don't really need it and leave little room for recovery.
Pupils in difficulty are often penalized since they do not manage to reach the standard set for the whole class. As only the results and not the efforts are measured, it does not help them.
As a result, these children are demotivated and demonstrate more objectionable behavior. For example, if a student in difficulty already knows, as of Monday, that he will not be entitled to the free play period on Friday because he has accumulated too many hooks, he will not be tempted to behave well. for the rest of the week. Having already lost his reward, he says to himself: "what's the point? »
They accustom the children to adopting a behavior in order to have a reward and not only to have the pride of having done well.
So, teachers really need to set up a system of rewards in an individualized way, exclusively for the pupils in need. So, to replace reward systems, one can adopt motivational practices that are more in line with each learner:
Provide support in the face of difficulties.
Help students set learning goals and objectives.
Help learners adopt their own behavior.
Promote the development of student autonomy, by teaching them to solve problems and allowing them to make choices.
Always encourage your students. Emphasize their positives and efforts.
Give rewards to create a positive classroom climate and develop a sense of belonging.
An online reward system
The ClassDojo app is a tool that facilitates communication between parents and teachers. Thus, it helps teachers to properly control the behavior of their students. If you are a teacher, you can create a detailed profile linked to your school. Then you create groups for each subject taught. If a child's behavior is bad, you give him a negative remark. The teacher can make comments for the student's parents.
Another advantage with ClassDojo is that students keep their own digital portfolio. Plus, they have the ability to add photos, documents, and videos of their work to their profile and share them with their parents.
An online rewards system for middle and high schools
For middle and high school students, you'll need Classcraft . It's a motivation management system that encourages students to live by your classroom rules in an interactive way. This system encourages students to have different types of points for class powers. In addition, students work in groups, which improves mutual support. Classcraft also has a timer and stopwatch, as well as a quiz tool where avatars must face off against a 'boss'. To beat the boss, they must have the correct answers.
How to implement this system?
Establish class rules
The student must learn that school life is based on rights and responsibilities. The class charter promotes the foundation of respect in the classroom. Let your students participate in setting these rules. This will motivate them more to respect them. For instance :
✓ Students must enter and exit class in an orderly manner.
✓ they must greet their teachers and classmates.
Specify how you will use the rewards system
It's the key to success. When do students receive awards?
✓ Determine who the system is for and when it will be implemented
✓ specify the situations and behaviors targeted
✓and specify the duration of the intervention
✓ Clearly explain your intentions. For example: students will receive a reward when they help another student, they will finish their homework a day earlier, when they participate in class.
Explain why you are giving a reward
Give your students specific and candid feedback about the award. For example: “John, you respect speaking turns and you speak quietly”
Let the students speak
It is important to let your students participate in the choice of rewards. To ensure that rewards are valuable and motivating for students, you can brainstorm about them. Let them make a list of acceptable rewards. You still have the last word!
Reward early
Like feedback, rewards should be given soon after the behavior is demonstrated. In this case, the students will not forget what they have done to deserve it and the other students will not be suspicious.
Decrease rewards over time
Raise your expectations of the student's behavior in order to receive the same reward. Students should not become dependent on rewards. As students succeed in your classroom, they can learn to be motivated by their own accomplishments.
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