Make it fun
It is true that even as adults we are still interested in being rewarded with candy, playing games, being competative and look forward to pizza or ice cream parties! The other day I gave my students a quiz and rewarded them with mini candy bars for every question they got right without having to look at their textbooks and they loved it! They passed the test immediately after with 100% and completed it within 10 minutes! I wasn't sure the candy method would work for them but they were all over it!
Jeanette,
Sounds like my classes. I try to always remember that adults are just tall children. They like to be competitive, win prizes and receive praise from the instructor. You are hitting on the "kid points" with your approach and everyone is benefiting from it. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have done the same with the candy bars. However, I incoperate a little friendly rivalry. I sometimes will divide the class into 2 groups and have a mini review quiz. I will ask a question about the subject we just have discussed and I keep track of each groups correct answers, almost like a game show. The group with the most correct answer gets the chocolate bars, the other group still gets a prize for trying, lolipops instead of chocolate. They seem to like it and have fun also.
Maria,
As you say a small piece of paper that has a powerful impact. These types of recognitions go a long way in helping students to stay in school and work hard at being successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My students look forward in receiving a certificate for perfect attendance and A and B Honor Roll at the end of the module. This is a small piece of paper that has so much meaning to them. They go home and show their loved ones of their accomplishments.
I find that students of all ages love to play games. Its a good way to get everyone involved and interacting with each other. In my classroom we have played everything from Password and Jeopardy to Around the World and matching games. The rewards are simple and usually food driven! I've even had students create their own review games for class that I continue to use. I think its a great tool.
FRANCETTE,
Adults are as you say just big kids. Food and prizes get adults going just like they did when the adults were kids. I am glad they appreciate the pizza and see the value of continuing to take classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
At the end of each course we always have pizza party for the big kids(adults) they appreciate that so much that they keep coming back for more classes
Yvette,
So true. My students get really excited when I give them prizes of food when they win a game of Jeopardy.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree that adults are just like kids. They are very competitive. At my school the students enjoy playing Family Feud, BINGO, Jeopardy, and Memory. For rewards we give out candy and school supplies.
Jessica,
Adults are just taller kids when it comes to games and prizes. I have PhD candidates screaming and yelling answers when we are playing Family Feud because they want to "earn" pizza. This makes teaching fun.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
