Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition

Joshua Kehr

Reinforcing EffortThis instructional strategy involves the

teacher assisting the student in understanding the importance of putting forth effort in improving achievement. Included in this understanding is the knowledge that the student can change their views so that there is an emphasis on putting forth effort and that this shift in belief can positively effect the achievement outcome.

The effect size for this strategy ranges from .57 to 2.14 which translate to a percentile increase of 20 to 48.

Providing RecognitionThis instructional strategy involves the

teachers giving the student so form of recognition for achieving a set performance standard. This reward can be either a tangible one, such as money or food, or an abstract reward, such as verbal praise or an award certificate. It is important to note that research has shown that abstract rewards tend to produce more positive results than tangible ones.

The effect size for this strategy ranges from .16 to .78 which translates to a percentile increase of 7 to 28.

Reinforcing Effort Example in Knowing and Learning

A good example of reinforcing effort being used in the Knowing and Learning class was when Professor Benzon shared with the class what students had done the previous semester to excel in the course. This provided us with examples of both individuals and their actions which exemplified a belief in effort to improve achievement.

Providing Recognition Example in Knowing and Learning

A good example of providing recognition being used in the Knowing and Learning class was when either Professor gave verbal praise for a student or group of students performing a critical thinking task or tying together concepts from different weeks’ materials. This was a form of abstract recognition in the guise of a verbal reward.

Reinforcing Effort in a Science ClassroomA good example of reinforcing effort in a science

classroom would be to tell the students about the lives of various well known scientists who faced some kind of obstacle and through their belief in effort overcame those obstacles. While my favorite example would be Albert Einstein, who overcame many challenges including lack of support from faculty during his education, he might not be the best one to share in a school setting as in reality he was both a “trouble-maker” and slacker in school and this might send the wrong message to the students.

Providing Recognition in a Science Classroom

A good example of providing recognition in a Science classroom would be to give an honor award to a student who achieves a set performance standard. This could be something simple like “scientist of the week” for the student who completes the most experiments with the most accuracy.