| I have tried every trick in the book to motivate students to attempt their assignments. Someone on
here or misc.education (that I no longer read) mentioned that they had a "100 Club". I wish I could
give credit, but don't recall the info.... Anyway, during the last half of the second quarter I tried this. I put up a "100 Club" sign and printed out the names in BIG letters for all students who had no grade less than a 100 on homework (I grade homework based on effort not accuracy.) Those in the 100 Club could choose one problem on tests to skip without losing points. I have been simply amazed at the attention this got from high school juniors and seniors. I select one student each week for my "Mathematician of the Week" and one for my "Scott Patterson Improvement Award" (named after a murdered student). They really want this award which is prominently displayed, but the "100 Club" is something every single one can get if he/she wants it. I told them I would start over this 9-weeks. They have been pestering me every day about when I would put it up. Yesterday I handed them a 4x6 index card and let them design it however they wanted and put it up. I thought some of these big, "bad" boys, wouldn't want to participate in anything so "childish". They loved it most of all. I have some really "lazy" ones who have done very little homework, doing all homework now. In fact, there are no more than 2 or 3 in each class who DIDN'T get in the 100 club yesterday. As soon as they have a single homework less than 100 their name comes down. I have never had students this motivated to at least get the 100 on the homework. Now, I have to find some trick to get them motivated to try to "understand", not just complete it.... Thanks to whoever gave me this idea.... |