Question

Teachers want students to do their homework completely, carefully, and on time. Identify an incentive that you think would increase student efforts toward reaching these objectives.

Short answer

A possible incentive could be implementing a reward system where for every few assignments turned in thoroughly and on time, the students can earn a 'no homework' pass for a day. This not only rewards students for their efforts but also gives them extra time for other activities, serving as a strong motivator.

Step-by-step solution

Brainstorm Potential Incentives

Brainstorm possible motivators for students. These could be extrinsic (external rewards) or intrinsic (personal satisfaction). For example, extrinsic motivators could be grades, recognition, or rewards, while intrinsic motivators could be personal growth, learning, or skills development.

Choose a Realistic Incentive

After brainstorming different motivators, choose an incentive that is realistic and could feasibly be implemented in a school setting. It is important that the incentive chosen is ethical and fair to all students.

Justify the Chosen Incentive

Provide a reasoning for why this incentivizing method would encourage students to do their homework on time and thoroughly. Here, possible theories of motivation can be used, or research evidence could be mentioned to strengthen the argument.

Key concepts

Extrinsic Motivators

Extrinsic motivators refer to incentives that originate from external sources outside the learner. These motivators include tangible rewards such as grades, trophies, or prizes, as well as social recognition like praise from teachers, parents, and peers. For homework, an example of an extrinsic motivator could be a points system where students earn points for every assignment completed on time, which could later be exchanged for a privilege or reward.

Implementing extrinsic motivators can be highly effective in the short-term as they provide clear goals and immediate payoffs. However, it's important to balance these with intrinsic motivators to ensure students maintain their motivation even without external rewards.

Intrinsic Motivators

In contrast to extrinsic motivators, intrinsic motivators arise from within the individual. These are driven by personal interest, enjoyment of the task, or the satisfaction of mastery. An intrinsic motivator for completing homework thoroughly might be the student's desire to understand a concept deeply, or the enjoyment derived from solving a challenging problem.

Incorporating intrinsic motivators into educational practices involves creating a learning environment where curiosity is fostered and where students feel empowered by their achievements. When students are intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to engage with the material on a deeper level and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Educational Incentives

Educational incentives combine elements of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, designed to engage and motivate students towards academic goals. These incentives could include positive feedback systems, customized learning experiences, or gamified learning with badges and leaderboards. These are specifically structured to encourage not just completion of homework but also a deeper engagement with the subject matter.

To be most effective, educational incentives should be fair, equitable, and supportive of the learning process. They should promote a growth mindset, where students view challenges as opportunities to improve rather than as obstacles.

Theory of Motivation

The theory of motivation is fundamental in education because it helps explain what drives student behavior. Psychologists have developed numerous theories, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which suggest individuals are motivated to satisfy basic needs before moving on to higher-level needs. In the context of homework, educators might leverage motivation theory by ensuring students' basic needs are met before expecting them to excel academically.

Applying motivation theory in an educational context requires understanding that different students may be motivated by different incentives. A blend of approaches, with a mix of both extrinsic and intrinsic incentives, may offer the best chances for motivating a diverse group of students.