There are many different forms of rewards. Some are better than other. Teachers give tangible rewards such as stickers or smiley faces on classwork or homework, no homework passes, or opportunities to pick prizes. Intangible Rewards such as students given extra time for recess or to chat with classmates, for required assignments or task. There are certain ways to use rewards effectively such as using the most modest reward possible, make rewards contingent on quality of work, minimize the use of an authoritarian style, occasionally use unexpected rewards, use expected tangible rewards sparingly, and withdraw rewards as soon as possible. Example of rewards that my CT uses in the classroom are expected tangible rewards such as rewarding the students with a piece of their Mr. Potato Head for receiving a complaint from a staff member for their quiet line and when the fill up Mr. Potato Head the will receive the reward of their choosing. This is an expected behavior that takes place over a long period time. She also uses unexpected rewards occasionally such as allowing students to go outside early for their teacher observed PE (recess) she does this when students have worked really hard on an assignment and wants to reward them for their hard work. Rewards can be a blessing and a curse it is the teacher’s responsibility to use them effectively so students do not get use to always receiving them.
|