How should extrinsic rewards be used effectively in the classroom?

Using extrinsic rewards effectively in the classroom involves enhancing the learning experience and motivating students positively. Pairing each reward with a verbal explanation is particularly effective because it provides students with clarity regarding the behavior or achievement that the reward is acknowledging. This approach helps students understand the connection between their actions and the reward, reinforcing the desired behavior and potentially leading to intrinsic motivation over time.

When students receive a reward paired with an explanation, they learn to associate their efforts and behavior with positive outcomes. This can also help them internalize the values and expectations of the classroom, fostering a sense of accountability and purpose. Additionally, it encourages a reflective learning process, enabling students to consider how their actions contribute to their success and the overall classroom environment.

In contrast, keeping rewards a secret can lead to confusion, while offering rewards randomly without context may undermine their effectiveness since students may not recognize the specific behaviors being rewarded. Focusing solely on the quantity of rewards can also detract from their meaningfulness, reducing the motivational impact and potentially leading to a reliance on rewards rather than developing intrinsic motivation.