rewards programs
Is it beneficial to do some sort of rewards program as an added bonus if students complete with a set period of time?
We also offer incentives month to month. After 5 months in the program, the massage students receive their massage tables. After 6 months, they are set up as clinicians, and receive pins at a pinning ceremony.
Interesting question, David. Tell me more about how you think reward programs may set students up for failure.
I think a rewards program is a good plan. But at the same time, does it adequately prepare students for the real world? Or, does it set students up for failure, as they may expect that the same would be done in the workplace?
What is the Director's list?
It allows the student to set goals and feel a since of accomplishment and improve their self esteem. I would estimate that about 35% of the students are able to achieve this goal. It seems to be an effective motivator. The students strive for the recognition, and within their learning communities, they really pull for on another.
What do you hope to accomplish with this recognition? What percentage of your students achieve this award? Is it an effective motivator? What's the impact on the other students?
We acknowledge those students at the end of each semester who achieve all A's and A's and B's. They participate in an awards luncheon.
The scholarship is a great practice. Reward the behavior you want to encourage.
Can you share the terms of the scholarship? Is it for a specific time period?
We do give out a scholarship for attendance, and we have found that the short term loss is far outweighed by the long term gain.
How are the award winners selected? Are there specific quantifiable criteria? Are some more subjective?
At our campus we have an awards ceremony every month and publically reward and those students who had perfect attendance/honor award/Director's list award/mentors/student of the module. They are very energetic and become very emotional for some who have had very little recognition in life.
Good. Tell us about it. What do you reward? How? When? Who leads the program?
Yes! We have found a reward system to keep our student motivated and focused.
One rewards program we have on my campus is the perfect attendance award for our modular students. We post it all around campus and we acknowledge those students at a monthly celebration. The students love it.
What are the pros and cons of this type of bonus program, Elizabeth? What does your institution do now?
I think the courses we have earlier discussed such as the resume courses or help in job searching would be an excellent idea to push students further towards success.
