Rewards Or Punishments For School Performance? – Being Parents

The effectiveness of rewards and punishments generates a perpetual debate among parents in the world of education. Indeed, these two methods result in children in a different way of motivating themselves, which is not always considered to be right.

In this article, we will examine whether the rewards or punishments for academic performance are adequate. Or, on the contrary, whether to eliminate them completely.

In general, we know that  rewards and punishments can modify behavior. However, the use of rewards or punishments carries a risk. Indeed, level-based teaching can deteriorate the very meaning of learning.

The goal of learning then becomes simply the success of the notes  to obtain rewards and not the mastery of the material. It is also not important to find innovative and imaginative solutions to deal with difficulties.

Either way,  the rewards and punishments are used as encouragement to help the children. And make the path that leads them to achieve their goals more feasible. On the one hand, rewards are a positive way to shape the behavior of others. If a person does something right, we give them a reward for it.

On the other hand,  the punishments constitute the impossibility of obtaining rewards for not having reached the minimum established by the two parties. 

In case the school results are not as agreed, the consequence is that in addition to having no advantage, the child receives a punishment for it. For example, this might be having less time to play outside or study during the summer months.

The rewards

Many parents want their children to be always motivated. They then use the rewards to encourage them to perform well in school. 

They can be of several forms. Whether it’s a gift or additional entertainment for good driving.

In the majority of cases,  the rewards are usually agreed in advance by both parties.  The aim is to encourage the achievement of goals.

While  rewards motivate children to achieve good grades,  there is a risk that prizes may become the sole motivation.

Therefore, if you choose to set up a system of rewards with your child for academic performance,  it is important that they are not excessive.  You also need to make him understand that real success is getting good grades and learning.

In addition, take into consideration that it  is preferable to offer intangible but at the same time appreciable rewards. They are more closely inspired by the real world. In the sense that they allow children to do something in return for a good job or a positive attitude.

“The use of rewards or punishments carries the risk that level-based teaching may deteriorate the very meaning of learning”

Punishments

Punishments are applied when agreed rules are not followed. This means parents set guidelines at the start of the year. They also list the punishments that will be imposed on children if they do not follow the rules or achieve certain goals.

Punishments or consequences  usually involve withholding something the student enjoys. They aim to dissuade the child from repeating the action which caused this unfortunate consequence.

Therefore, fear of punishment prompts children to follow clearly defined rules. Mentioning these punishments leads them to behave properly.

However, in some cases  fear can cause a student to work just to survive and not perform to their full potential.

One way or another, it must be taken into account that  the punishments of parents for their children’s misbehavior are likely to be more severe or definitive  than the tools used to motivate them.

Of course, they should always be realistic, logical and effective depending on the age of each individual.

Finally,  remember that rewards and punishments end with self-control. It is not an easy path that happens overnight. However, the ideal is for both measures to gradually disappear as the child grows.

Our advice is to always maintain communication with your child and explain the meaning of rewards. Likewise, he must know why he is being punished. Ultimately, training and learning will be the most valuable thing to offer.