Reinforcement is a very big part of motivation
I use reinforcement often in class by way of extra points towards the final grade. In many of my classes I assign a final project that requires quite a bit of work. I do this in lieu of homework. As part of the project there are deadlines that need to be met, mostly so I know the students are working on the project and not waiting for the last minute to begin. If students meet the deadline and the assignment meets requirements, extra credit points are awarded. But, what I don't do is inform the students of this prior to the assignment! When the deadline has passed I notify students that all those who submitted their work on time received 5 extra points. The next time an assignment is due, the response is tremendous!
I think reiforcement is critical to student's feeling valued, respected and an important part of the class and school community.
Reinforcement is a good motivation especially when the feed back is positive. I always let my students know when they are doing a "good job!". I notice if a students is not getting the skills totally correct, they appreciate when I do "get in with them together and show or demonstrate the skill until they get the skill right which is still positive feedback to keep them motivated and not shut the student down.
Reinforcement helps students keep knowledge in their memory, and makes the learned item more readily obtained at a later time for use. I have found that student reinforcement can be something as simple as a pin to wear on their lanyard--they became very proud of those pins.
Reinforcement can be used as motivation because it will confirm what they have learned and their success in their learning. Success will reinforce motivation.
Reinforcement is critical to student success. It can also be an excellent motivating factor for students. By reinforcing an idea, or concept, you as an instructor can lead student's to their "Ah-Ha" moments.
Reinforcement serves as a motivator as it acknowledges a student's efforts. If their efforts are not acknowledge they may not feel motivated to put forth the effort.
Teachning math, I am constantly working with students that struggle with the material. I remind them that many are in the same boat. I reassure them that I am there to help and I point out all of the various support vehicles available to them. The key is finding what works for each individual. Some require extra practice. Some need to review the material over and over. Some need to work with someone in person or an online tutor. Some need to see a few videos on the material to see other explanations. Each one needs to find what works for them.
Hi John,
I agree with you on this very important point. By reinforcing content and showing application you are letting the students know that that the content is relevant and will help them in the future. This is what being in school should be about.
Gary
Reinforcement builds self-confidence. It lets students' know they are on track for success. If a student feels they are making progress they are more likely to maintain or increase motivation.
Reinforcement also helps if a student is off track, so problems are corrected as the course progresses. Sometimes student frustration builds if they are not able to do the assigned tasks. I find that if I am able to pinpoint the problem and help correct the situation, students then regain confidence in overcoming an obstacle, and regain motivation to continue.
I know personally, nothing inspires me to persevere more, than an occasional pat on the back or a peer or supervisor telling me I did, or am doing a good job. I am sure the same goes for any student.
I believe reinforcement plays a large roll in motivation. It is also a great form of review. For example, in preparation for a mid term or final exam I like to pass out old exams and let students look through prior exams and remind them of all their hard work that they have put forth to be where they are now. I use their past success as a positive reinforcement motivator.
Reinforcement can motivate students by recalling the lesson in several different ways. This is a struggle for me because I usually tune out repetitive language. This reminds me that everyone does not learn the same way and I need to be more flexible in conveying the points of the lesson.
Hi Amy,
This is such a good and helpful strategy to use with your students. This way they can continue to make progress and not become derailed by a grade or point score that doesn't tell them anything. The grade or points and then comments help them to see how and where they can improve and this is a great service to provide.
Gary
One way I use reinforcement to motivate students is through my grading comments. I make it a point to stress what a student has done well on an assignment and encourage the student to continue that practice. When I point out something lacking in an assignment, I give the student specific suggestions on how to improve the next time around. I also allow students the option to resubmit an assignment to improve their grade. I find that students are more motivated when they believe they are in control of their success.
Hi David,
Good point about giving student feedback. The reason for testing is to try and determine what students have learned. By giving feedback you are helping them to learn even more and they will be able to perform at a higher level on the next quiz.
Gary
I think that when you give quiz and test grades back to a student it is important to also provide some sort of feedback to the student. If they get a good grade it makes them feel better about the grade when you tell them you are proud of them or they did a good job. Also, if they get a poor grade feedback is important to let the student know why they got the grade they did. Maybe you will notice a pattern of questions wrong, and can give the student advise to revisit the material is a certain section of the book, while telling them they did have an understanding of other sections. Students don't want to left in the dark when they receive a poopr grade and have no performance review. They feel leftout and forgotten then.
Reinforcement reminds students why they are their, builds on successes and opens a pathway to new learning
I let my students know how well they are doing each day and keep them updated on their progress in the class room weekly. I don't think students want something to pop up unexpectedly when it comes to their progress. When the student knows where they stand in the evaluation process this will motivate them to do better or to maintain current grades. Immediate feedback is also key to the motivation of a student.
Reinforcement is one of the easier and more economical ways to increase motivation with students. I often praise students as they are turning in quizzes for being in class and if I am able to grade while the class is still in session, I will verbally reinforce their effort in class in front of others. As an instructor, I can see student's faces light up when reinforcing them in front of the class or at one on one sessions regarding mid-term evaluations.
