3. Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition
Effort and recognition speak to the attitudes and beliefs of students, and teachers must show the connection between effort and achievement. Research shows that although not all students realize the importance of effort, they can learn to change their beliefs to emphasize effort. According to research, recognition is most effective if it is contingent on the achievement of a certain standard. Also, symbolic recognition works better than tangible rewards.
Applications:
Technology Integration Ideas:
Effort and recognition speak to the attitudes and beliefs of students, and teachers must show the connection between effort and achievement. Research shows that although not all students realize the importance of effort, they can learn to change their beliefs to emphasize effort. According to research, recognition is most effective if it is contingent on the achievement of a certain standard. Also, symbolic recognition works better than tangible rewards.
Applications:
- Share stories about people who succeeded by not giving up.
- Have students keep a log of their weekly efforts and achievements, reflect on it periodically, and even mathematically analyze the data.
- Find ways to personalize recognition. Give awards for individual accomplishments.
- "Pause, Prompt, Praise." If a student is struggling, pause to discuss the problem, then prompt with specific suggestions to help her improve. If the student's performance improves as a result, offer praise
Technology Integration Ideas:
- Have students keep digital portfolios on Weebly and share them periodically.
- Give students praise for a job well done on your class blog.
- Post examples of student work on Edmodo and/or your class website.
- Create and handout digital badges for recognition on Edmodo.
