I have this thing I do, as a teacher. Not at the beginning of the year, but later, after Christmas.
Here's how it works.......
If a student does something brilliant, or noteworthy, or even just above and beyond their expected ability..... I give them a coin. I also tell them exactly why they got it. They can get this notice in theory or in the lab. The notice is public, and often shared.
A coin can be traded in for test points on almost any written test.
I look at it this way...... A good employer will notice and reward an employee who goes above and beyond. They'll do so, or lose that employee eventually. On the other hand, an employer who makes a habit of doing that will soon find employees looking for ways to get rewarded.... and that's a win/win situation.
In many ways, I am like an employer to these kids. I give them work, and expect it done right. They get paid in knowledge and grades. By giving them the coins, I am giving them a bonus for extra-good work. Better than just a few grade points, I am giving them something tangible they can hold in their hands. They can take them home and show their folks.... "Look what teach gave me today for being bright"
I get the coins on E-bay.... bought a few years back, I paid about $7 a pound plus shipping. not bad, and ten pounds or so will last me for many years. They are from Europe, and the euro turned all these wonderful old coins into scrap metal.
Bags of them can be bought, usually being worth more as scrap than coins except on the world of E-bay.
The thing is, I get most back from the kids. What is really surprising... some won't trade them back for test points! They'd rather get a lower score and keep the coins. On average, I get about 75% returned.
It works.... some students pay attention in theory, hoping to ask a question bright enough to earn one. Some students make a point of finding a new way to do something in the shop, and will ask if it's good enough to earn a coin. A student who is caught up, then spends time helping others get caught up, is almost sure to get one.
It seems to work.... and anything that works without shedding blood is probably ok.
4 comments:
Do these kids realize how fortunate they are to have a teacher that teaches for the real world. . not the classroom, but the wide expanses of life that won't fit in a book, or follow a definition. Teaching a principal of livlihood that few recognize, the desire to achive something.
As Ayn Rand said, so much better than I can, "A desire presupposes the possibility of action to achieve it; action presupposes a goal which is worth achieving.
Thank you Lin..... I really appreciate that..... more than you know.
Sounds like a terrific idea.
Like Lin said, it's real life motivation.
You're a pretty smart guy : )
That is a brilliant idea. I have a cousin who's a teacher who is struggling with her classes. I'm going to print out this post and send it to her. Cheers!
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