Bob, I recently came across a very subtle way of rewarding young children
that spurs them on without causing too much competition too soon whilst
making them feel proud. The system is teachers or other people in the
school like cleaners and diner ladies giving out stickers to pupils saying
things like "I helped" and "I've been to see the school nurse". They are
colorful, with cartoons of different animals, appeal to the children's
sense of fun and playfulness (peel, unpeel) and reward the child in a
cheap but effective and indirect way. The positive vibes induced by such
rewards induce a conductive learning stimulus- do something good, receive
a reward. None of the problems with accurately assessing effort and
attainment are solved by this system- but at least it is non-competitive
and easy to prove that someone has done what the sticker says they have.
They certainly worked with the very young children I met with- 4 and 5
year olds- proudly showing off their badges. Probably would not work with
teenagers though- I do not know how old the people you are teaching are- I
am not familiar with the structure of your grading system, please use
ages, they are a global indicator. Just a random thought, but it may help!
regards simon
http://www.unorg.com/trans
Bob Friend wrote:
> I'v just finished reading "Punished by Rewards" and I've just watched the
> four video tapes. I am still unclear about how to use 'praise' in a
> specific manner such that it is not destructive to the learning process.
> I teach grades 8-12 and I would appreciate some examples of how to give
> effective feedback to these students in a manner that minimizes the need
> to use grades or some other evaluative words. Pleasse help me out.
--Simon Buckingham <go57@dial.pipex.com>
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