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An ice-cream cone, a bar of chocolate, even money - parents reward their children’s good grades with a variety of gifts. The strategy works, as the incentivisation motivates children to outdo themselves in the next exam. But does the same apply to a school setting? There is a strong argument in favour of paying students if they achieve a certain grade point average (GPA). However, this could also have some drawbacks.
Hard Work Pays
The concept of paying students for good grades reinforces what they are always taught: hard work does have its rewards. It will encourage students to keep doing well in class. It can keep students motivated and also supplement their allowance. In Western countries, teenagers also work part-time to sustain themselves. This could be a good way to help children from financially weaker sections. It will also teach students the value of money. They will learn to save and spend wisely.
Ethical Questions
True, an incentive will motivate students to keep doing well, but it also raises questions of morality. Many parents will want their children to develop a healthy competitive spirit, and see any reward as a form of bribery. Cash payment, in particular, might shift the focus to a transactional approach where students only weigh returns before taking up any kind of task.
Wrong Attitude Toward Learning
The cash reward system will benefit only the students who consistently earn good scores. Children who need the money may not be able to match up to the desired GPA. Besides, students should not strive for good grades only to be paid. The motivator should be the desire to learn, which will be hampered if they are looking at a payout for their hard work. In the long term, the concept may do more harm than good by cultivating the wrong attitude towards learning.
It may be a good idea to pay students for a certain GPA, especially in cases where students belong to financially weaker families.
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FAQs
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Should you get rewards for good grades?
It has been proven that results improve if children are paid for good grades. But it only happens short term. In the long run, children will only do the minimum needed to earn the reward they want.
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How should parents motivate their children?
Instead of a cash reward, parents should reward children verbally, or with a special treat.
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Does giving rewards mean you are bribing children?
Some children may not take the idea of cash payments for good grades well. They may see it as bribing and lose the motivation to learn.
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What are the two types of rewards?
Rewards can be tangible or intangible. Tangible rewards are material rewards and may include cash, objects, etc. Intangible rewards include prizes, trophies, annual awards, etc.
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What is a self-reward?
Self-reward means treating oneself for the completion of a goal. It could be buying a treat, a movie night after exams, or having a sleepover with a friend.
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