For years now, we’ve been hearing that implementing a reward system is the best, maybe even the ONLY way to increase student engagement in the classroom. I just read another post with the same message, giving the same advice. And since everyone seems to be saying it, it must be true. Right?
Uhh… no.
I think most of this advice is coming from a place of good intentions. But it’s easy advice. And not only does one specific method or strategy not work for everyone, the strategy of offering external incentives definitely isn’t the best option out there.
Also, how do you know that the “experts” are following their own advice? Or that they’re getting great results from reward systems?
It seems to me that you can spend a lot of time feeling frustrated or like a failure because the reward system isn’t working for you when you’re not the problem!
I know because back when I was starting my teaching journey, I tried the traditional reward system, and I just didn’t get great results.
In fact, despite pouring time and effort into it, my classroom’s atmosphere didn’t change significantly. I felt disheartened and questioned my effectiveness as an educator.
It became apparent that the rewards weren’t fostering genuine engagement. They were merely compliance tools.
I also didn’t feel like I was being authentic when I was implementing this strategy. And believe me, your students can tell when you’re not being authentic.
Always remember that students choose to engage in learning because they are connecting with you (and the content). So don’t try to be someone else.
What’s Not So Great About Reward Systems
Here’s the thing. A classroom reward system isn’t a good idea because:
- You’ll waste time and energy. Implementing a reward system can be time-consuming and demanding. The effort invested in creating, monitoring, and managing the system may not yield equivalent benefits in terms of increased student engagement.
- It isn’t authentic to you. Reward systems often require teachers to adopt a set of predetermined incentives that might not align with your teaching style or philosophy. This lack of authenticity can lead to a disconnect between you and your students, hindering genuine engagement.
- You might get the opposite result from the one you want! Paradoxically, the use of external rewards can sometimes demotivate students. When the focus shifts from the joy of learning to earning rewards, students may lose intrinsic motivation. The desire for the reward, rather than the love of the subject matter, can become the driving force.
- It worked in years past but things have changed. The landscape of education and student dynamics have evolved over the years, especially since COVID. Traditional reward systems may have been more effective in the past, but changes in technology, social media algorithms, and the shift towards virtual learning environments have altered the effectiveness of these methods. In this rapidly changing world, strategies that worked several years ago might not resonate with today’s students.
- Changing social dynamics. Shifts in social dynamics, fueled by social media and other societal changes, have altered the way students interact with each other and authority figures. Traditional reward systems may not effectively resonate with these changes, necessitating a more nuanced and contemporary approach to increasing student engagement.
Want proof?
- Here’s a post from eSpark: Do Student Reward Systems Help and What Are the Risks?
- And one on The Dark Side of Rewards from the Alliance Against Seclusion & Restraint
So what can you do to increase student engagement? Fortunately, there’s a better way. Instead of using a reward system, try something else.
Wouldn’t you rather spend your time doing something that feels like it’s authentically you that’s also crazy effective at increasing student engagement? Well, now you can. And it doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming.
A Better Way to Increase Student Engagement
Here’s what I did to revolutionize student engagement instead of relying on traditional methods.
Step #1: Define Your Pedagogical North Star
I got clear about my ultimate goals: To cultivate a dynamic learning environment that fosters genuine enthusiasm for education and equips students with not just academic knowledge but also essential life skills.
Defining your pedagogical North Star is crucial because you can’t effectively increase student engagement until you’ve clearly outlined what success looks like.
By establishing explicit goals for your teaching approach, you pave the way for meaningful student experiences and outcomes.
Skipping this foundational step can have significant opportunity costs. Without a defined educational vision, you might miss out on creating an environment where students are not just consumers of information but active participants in their learning journey.
The risk of employing generic, one-size-fits-all strategies increases, potentially leading to disengagement and a lack of connection between students and the curriculum.
In essence, you risk missing the opportunity to tailor your teaching methods to meet the unique needs, interests, and learning style of your students. This foundational clarity sets the stage for the subsequent steps in our process to increase student engagement in your classroom.
Step #2: Dive Into Personalized Learning
I spent time researching current best practices and the different strategies people were using to increase student engagement.
I was looking for gaps in popular thinking, strategies my clients and customers had tried, what seemed to work, as well as what didn’t seem to work.
For example:
Studies consistently demonstrate that when students have the freedom to pursue projects aligned with their interests and learning styles, their engagement levels soar.
This approach taps into their intrinsic motivation, fostering a genuine love of learning. Additionally, personalized learning enables teachers to tailor instruction to individual needs, accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences.
Why does this matter? The traditional model of education often leaves some students disengaged or struggling.
Personalized learning, with its focus on student autonomy and individualized instruction, addresses these challenges.
It creates an environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. This helps increase student engagement, participation, and academic success.
Step #3: Create Your Engagement Blueprint
After keeping records of what worked and what didn’t, I came up with a better way to increase student engagement.
This three-pronged approach ensures that student engagement is not a one-time event but a continuous, holistic experience for students:
- #1: Interactive Learning Modules. The integration of interactive learning modules became a cornerstone of the curriculum. These modules go beyond traditional lectures, allowing students to actively participate in their learning journey. Whether through online simulations, group discussions, or hands-on projects, this approach fosters an engaging classroom.
- #2: Student-Centric Assessment Strategies. Shifting towards student-centric assessment strategies was paramount. Instead of relying solely on exams, teachers incorporate diverse methods of assessment such as project assessments, portfolios, and peer evaluations. This not only gauges a more holistic understanding of student progress but also empowers students to showcase their strengths in various ways.
- #3: Continuous Feedback Loops. Establishing continuous feedback loops emerged as a game-changer. Regular, constructive feedback fosters a sense of ongoing improvement and achievement. Whether through one-on-one discussions, written comments, or digital platforms, this process ensures students feel supported and acknowledged in their learning experience.
Tailoring your engagement plan with these three elements helps to accommodate diverse learning styles and actively involves students. They become active contributors in the classroom, owning their learning journey.
Next Steps
Now you have a process for moving away from reward systems to more personalized learning that fosters authentic engagement. By following these steps, you can implement an approach that resonates with today’s students as you increase student engagement in the learning process.
Check out some of my other student engagement posts and keep challenging yourself to get results in a way that rings true for you.
In them, you’ll find my best tips, and more.
- The First Time I Failed at Teaching – Why I Shifted to a Student Focus in Teaching
- What is Project-Based Learning?
- The One Approach You Need to Master Student Engagement
Current wisdom can be little more than fads that don’t stand the test of time. Many won’t even get you where you want to go.
The good news is, you can absolutely increase student engagement in a way that feels authentic to you. You just need the right roadmap – and a little independent thinking.
If you want more help here, check out my freebie just for you, to help you differentiate learning without having to plan for 30 different lesson activities.
Click the image below for more deets and how you can get it today!
Questions? Comments? Drop them below. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
