Awards in Class
I've been giving awards to students now for about 5 years. An example, Award for Best Game Design Document. I give the requirements for the document and let the students know they must meet the requirements, yet for the students that want to go above and beyond, and award certificate is in their reach.
The documents I receive from the students are 90% excellent.
I find passive competition works well and it puts no pressure on the students that are not great writers.
A list of the Award winners can be seen at davidpinter.com
How and when did you do this? In front of the whole class or one-on-one? How did those students who did not receive awards deal with this?
Hi Tony,
Thanks for sharing this method of getting students more engaged in preparing for quizzes. A simple yet effective way of motivating students. Many times it is something very simple that gets the greatest response.
Gary
As a vo-tech instructor, I had difficulty with students who did not aspire to study for quizzes. I then provided an award for anyone who achieved 90% or better. While still some students did not meet their personal goal on the test, I found a number of students actively studying and saw an overall improvement in test scores. Even to the point where they came to expect a score of 90% or better. This also had the effect where more students wanted to know how they incorrectly answered questions so they could improve next time.
Hi Matthew,
This is the key in terms of building self confidence. Give them opportunities for success early and they will build on these successes as they progress through the course.
Gary
A (culinary) based reward can be designing an amuse bouche which can then be presented by the student as a demo in the class. Simple ingredients, but gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. Inspired others.
Hi Jason,
Think this would be a great incentive for performance. To get to spend sometime in the kitchen of a professional that could give you hints, guidance and encouragement would be a great reward. Give it a try. I am sure you are going to have great results.
Gary
I tool am a culinary instructor. I have not explored the avanue of rewards before other then class recognition and a round of applause. Maybe a reward could be setting up a day with a fellow Chef were you arrange the student to fallow in there professional kitchen, and only the student who dose the best gets to go. This could lead to job oppurtunity and professional experiance that can relate in the class room.
Hi Herve,
Small rewards for different kinds of effort I believe are appropriate. One thing some people get upset with is that it creates competition among the students. This is true. My response is that the minute they graduate and apply for a job they are in competition with all the other applicants. Also, by awarding a cutting board for having the best food arrangement or what ever you are asking of the students is a good way of keeping interest high.
Gary
i used to give rewards for the best of the class (tools such as a small cutting board, pastry brushes etc - we are a culinary school) but was discouraged by managment. maybe i should try to talk with them and bring it back.
any input?
Hi Jorge,
All good ways to motivate students and keep them engaged in the course. Recognition is a powerful way to increase retention. Students like it and it challenges them to work harder so they to can be recognized.
Gary
I find that giving awards and recognition to students gives them the incentive they need to continue setting goals for themselves. I give public recognition to one student a month for their accomplishments and for excelling in different aspects of the course. I also give out certificates for perfect attendance which helps the student value the importance of being in class every day.
Hi David,
Great strategy. I to like having some competition in my classes. The students like it and it raises the level of excitement in the course. Plus, students will be competing when they enter the work place so they need to be able to show what they know in a less stressful setting such as the classroom.
Will be looking up your Award winners on your website.
Gary
