The Pros and Cons of Using a Reward System in the Classroom

In addition to the myriad of systems and methods used in attempts to create acceptable behaviour and correct scholastic performance, having a reward system implemented in class is quite possibly one of the most common. Reward systems are organised systems where tangible or intangible rewards are given to students in exchange for meeting some expectation, good conduct, timely submission of work, or attendance.

For example, students seeking online law assignment help may be rewarded for using academic support responsibly to improve performance. Although extremely useful, reward systems can also prove to be counterproductive. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using reward systems at the school level.

What Is a Reward System?

With benefits and pitfalls, the most crucial aspect of the successful utilisation of reward systems is implementation. For instance, students seeking online law dissertation help may initially rely on external academic support as part of a structured reward or assistance system, but with proper implementation, the goal should be to gradually build independence and intrinsic motivation. Below are some tips on how to achieve balance:

1. Balance Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

Use rewards as a starting point for motivation, especially for novices or students with self-regulation challenges. Gradually phase out external rewards and introduce intrinsic motivators, such as satisfaction, interest, or a sense of achievement. For instance, services like law essay help UK can initially serve as an external support system, but over time, students should be encouraged to develop confidence and internal motivation in mastering academic writing skills independently.

2. Use Non-Material Rewards

Instead of material rewards, use social and privilege-based rewards that encourage a sense of community and personal responsibility. Praise, public recognition, or classroom privilege will be less likely to encourage dependency or inequality. For instance, allowing students to lead discussions or choose Law dissertation topics relevant to their interests can serve as a meaningful privilege-based reward that fosters ownership and engagement in their academic journey.

3. Set Clear, Realistic, and Inclusive Expectations

Give all students an equal opportunity for reward by setting clear and realistic expectations. Consider individual differences so make an individual reward system for students, and set goals within students’ reach who have differences in capabilities.

4. Adapt the System Regularly

Random shuffling of the reward system from time to time will keep the students in line and avoid manipulation or boredom. It will safeguard against rewarding students to overreliance on a mode of reward. You can include behaviour reward systems in the classroom in which include charts that provide individual progress, not absolute accomplishment, so all can experience success.

5. Reinforce Self-Monitoring and Reflection

Many teachers are confused about, “How do you make time go faster?” Well, planning is the key. Reinforce self-reflection, which requires students to self-monitor their behaviour. Journaling, discussion groups, or self-check rubrics can lead to internalising indicators of success and accountability.

Some teachers have innovatively adapted reward systems to suit their classroom. Some of them include:

• Class economies where students earn “classroom dollars” for good behaviour and use them in a class shop.
• A digital reward system for students in which they must be given digital badges through learning management systems to reach learning milestones.
• Group point systems, where group-class behaviour is rewarded, encourage teamwork.

These methods are highly effective if used wisely and with methods that create intrinsic motivation.

Benefits of Having a Reward System in the Classroom

1. Empowers Students

The most compelling benefit of a reward system is that it empowers students. Rewards are a tangible, immediate gauge of success or good behaviour, and this causes students to do well over and over again.

For instance, a child who is rewarded or tokenised for consistently completing homework will likely complete homework. The reward threat is a very strong incentive, especially with children who are not yet intrinsically motivated by the learning process itself.

2. Encourages Good Behaviour

Reward systems are a successful method of technology reinforcing and developing desirable behaviour. Here, teachers will be most likely to persist with desired behaviour once they realise that some behaviours (such as helping others, following rules, or staying on task) will be rewarded.

3. Increases Classroom Management

20-30 student classroom management is what overwhelms most teachers. An effective reward system will facilitate the management of behaviour by reducing the frequency of problem behaviour and the number of discipline interventions.

4. Facilitates Goal Setting and Achievement

Reward systems are created to challenge students to achieve and accomplish their milestones. Whether it’s making the minimum number of points for celebrating in class or a certificate for reading a minimum number of books, reward systems teach students the lesson of never giving up on working and on accomplishing milestones.

5. Enhances Student Engagement

Interaction-based reward systems can stimulate and engage students. Some examples include game-based reward systems that reward students with badges or level-ups, which can turn mundane class work into enjoyable activities. Increased participation can translate to enthusiastic participation and make learning a romance.

Limitations of a Reward System in the Classroom

Although they have all their strengths, reward systems have no overdoses of positives, and there is also the Dark Side of Reward. Teachers must consider the risk of the harmful effects of their misuse of extrinsic motivation.

1. Over-Dependence on Extrinsic Motivation

The biggest criticism of reward systems is that they kill intrinsic motivation. If kids become accustomed to being them for anything they’ve done, then they’ll anticipate something for everything they do.

2. Discrepancy Among Students

Reward systems can create an imbalance among students. Some will be rewarded more for behaviour, academic potential, or personality, while others, most often the ones with learning or behavioural problems, will be rewarded less.

3. Short-Term Compliance Rather Than Long-Term Behaviour Change

While rewards will lead to short-term compliance, they will not be accompanied by long-term behavioural modification. Students will fall back to their initial behaviour as soon as the reward is removed unless they have internalised the worth of the behaviour.

4. Manipulability

Other students can be trained to shortchange the system by cooperating only where there is a barrier to reward. They will want to know, “What do I receive in exchange if I do that?” and be less inclined to behave responsibly or altruistically for its own sake.

5. Deterrent to Teamwork and Cooperation

In strongly competitive reward schemes, though, there is a risk that the students will care more about personal benefit than achievement as a team. If there is a bonus for a favoured subset of top performers, then others might be excluded or handicapped. That will ruin their ability to create a classroom community to aid each other in celebrating each other’s success.

Conclusion

Reward systems can be a great classroom strategy, but only if they are used wisely and judiciously. They provide a wide range of advantages, from higher motivation to classroom management and engagement. Teachers need to avoid the pitfalls, however, like the reduction of intrinsic motivation, unfairness, and transactional focus.

Finally, the goal of education is to create self-regulating, responsible, and curious lifelong learners. An ideally conceived system of incentives, in conjunction with more ambitious social-emotional learning and character education strategies, can play a key role in making this vision a reality. As with any educational strategy, intentionality, responsiveness, and flexibility are essential to making reward systems operate for students to the empowering and equitable degree possible.