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As a student, many years ago, I struggled in grade school (had about a 1.5) but showed steady improvement at each level from there on. I did have a melt down my first two quarters in college but then took 3 years off (military and service volunteer). Completed my BS degree with a 3.5 and have a master's degree. Never had a "rewards" program that I remember.

Worked as a teacher's aid during college where we had a heavy reward program. Had to be two grades behind your peers and a behavior problem. Script for good behavior, participation and academic progress. Script was used to buy from the "store". They could buy items and/or field trips. Saw this program get some student through Jr. High.

As the father of six kids, 5 of the 6 have advanced degrees (1 Associates, 4 Bachelor degrees and one Ph.D) we participated in all the rewards programs offered but seldom provided them as parents. Rewards programs we instituted were abused or ignored (maybe we weren't good at designing them).

I beleive rewards do good for some students but many others just aren't ready or motivated by them.

Cliff

posted 2 years, 9 months ago
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