| There have been many debates about the use of | | | | challenging pupils. After a lot of thought and research I |
| reward schemes for pupils at all levels and there | | | | decided to use a reward and motivation system, initially |
| continue to be arguments between educational | | | | for one term, that employed a range of readily |
| psychologists about intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. | | | | available tools. I purchased a wall chart, bookmarks, |
| Whatever the theoretical propositions, in my fifteen | | | | individual charts for pupils, a range of stickers and |
| years as a classroom teacher I have rarely had a | | | | postcards to be sent home. The children received |
| student that has not appreciated some form of | | | | individual stickers for reading and when marking their |
| external recognition, be it in the form of verbal praise | | | | work plus I gave general awards for good behavior, |
| or a written comment, and when this has been | | | | manners etc. These were used with the wall chart and |
| accompanied by something as simple as a sticker it | | | | when managed carefully, promoted a healthy |
| inevitably brings a smile to their face and a discernible | | | | competitive attitude in class. I staged the system so |
| sense of pride. | | | | there were achievable goals to aim for, for example, a |
| As human beings, from the earliest age we strive to | | | | bronze award after collecting 10 stickers which |
| achieve. Some of us have a great deal of self | | | | resulted in being presented with a certificate of |
| motivation whilst others need a little help to reach the | | | | achievement within the class. I also found the |
| same goals. Regardless of where you sit within this | | | | postcards home very useful as these went directly to |
| spectrum it is always nice when your efforts are | | | | the parents who were most appreciative and it |
| recognised as it gives you a range of emotions, all of | | | | reinforced the message. After a term of using this |
| which are positive. This can only be good for the | | | | system the children were noticeably more motivated |
| human psyche. This is recognised in schools for all age | | | | and a survey conducted by a colleague informed us |
| groups and a wide variety of methods are employed. | | | | that both children and parents liked the approach and |
| In my experience, the use of stickers for both | | | | they liked to be recognised for their achievements. |
| classroom monitoring and individual recognition of effort | | | | There will be many different opinions about the use of |
| and achievement are a powerful tool for both | | | | stickers for motivation and reward but for me, as part |
| motivation and behavior management. | | | | of a classroom management system, they form a |
| A few years ago I worked in a school with a class | | | | valuable tool which make my life easier and bring a |
| that had a very wide range of ability and a couple of | | | | smile to my pupils faces. Oh for the humble sticker! |