I’m going to talk about a controversial topic: ‘Stop Rewarding Students.’ I know, it sounds like a bold statement, but stick with me. We’re going to explore why this might be a good idea, backed by research and real-world examples. Let’s get into it!
First, let’s talk about what we mean by ‘rewarding students.’ This typically includes giving stickers, stars, extra points, or other incentives for good behavior or academic performance. While this might seem like a good way to motivate students, research suggests there are better ways to foster a positive learning environment.
Research has shown that extrinsic rewards, like stickers or prizes, can actually have some unintended negative effects. Let’s break down the science behind why stopping these rewards might be beneficial.
Point number one: Diminishing Intrinsic Motivation. According to a study by Deci, Koestner, and Ryan, extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation. When students are rewarded for doing something, they may start to focus more on the reward than the actual learning process. This means they might lose interest in the subject itself once the reward is removed.
Imagine a student who loves reading. If they’re given a reward for every book they read, they might start reading just for the prize, not because they enjoy it. This shift can be detrimental to their long-term love for learning.
Point number two: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects. Rewards can often create a short-term boost in performance, but they don’t necessarily translate to long-term academic achievement. A study published in the ‘Journal of Educational Psychology’ found that while rewards can lead to temporary improvements, they don’t necessarily improve overall academic outcomes or foster long-term engagement.
Essentially, rewards might get students to perform better in the short term, but they don’t necessarily help them develop a genuine interest or understanding of the material.
Point number three: Impact on Classroom Dynamics. Reward systems can sometimes create competition and undermine a collaborative classroom environment. When students are pitted against each other for rewards, it can foster a competitive rather than a cooperative atmosphere.
Instead of working together and supporting each other, students might become more focused on outdoing their peers for rewards. This can negatively impact the overall classroom culture.”
Point number four: Alternative Strategies. So, if we stop using rewards, what should we do instead? Research suggests focusing on intrinsic motivation through methods like providing meaningful feedback, creating engaging lessons, and fostering a growth mindset.
By emphasizing the value of learning itself and showing students how their efforts contribute to their growth, we can encourage a more genuine and lasting engagement with their education.
So, there you have it—why stopping the use of rewards in the classroom might be a step towards creating a more engaged and intrinsically motivated learning environment. Let me know in the comments what you think about this approach or if you have any experiences with reward systems in your classroom!
