The demotivating effect of rewarding perfect attendance

Avoiding the crowd out effect of rewards

There are merits in acknowledging good attendance and also rewarding improved attendance but schools should be cautious when implementing programs that reward perfect attendance. Providing rewards to students for perfect attendance has the potential to cause a crowd out effect, which refers to the replacement of intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from within an individual and is driven by their own personal interests and goals. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is externally driven and is based on external rewards or consequences.

When students are rewarded for perfect attendance, their motivation to attend school may shift from intrinsic to extrinsic. They may start attending school simply to receive the reward, rather than because they genuinely want to learn or be a part of the school community. This can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation and a reduction in the overall quality of their engagement in school.

Furthermore, the use of rewards for perfect attendance can create a negative atmosphere in the classroom. Students who are consistently present may feel pressure to maintain their perfect attendance in order to continue receiving the reward, while those who are absent may feel discouraged or stigmatized. This can lead to a decrease in overall morale and an increase in absenteeism.

Additionally, providing rewards for perfect attendance can also create a sense of entitlement among students. They may come to expect rewards for simply showing up to school and may become less motivated to engage in their studies or contribute to the school community. This can lead to a decrease in academic performance and a lack of willingness to participate in class.

It is important to note that there can be valid reasons for student absences, such as illness or family emergencies. Rewarding only those students with perfect attendance may not be fair or inclusive, as it does not take into account the different circumstances that may impact a student's attendance.

In conclusion, providing rewards for perfect attendance can cause a crowd out effect by shifting students' motivation from intrinsic to extrinsic, creating a negative classroom atmosphere, and leading to a sense of entitlement. It is important for educators to consider the potential negative consequences of using rewards for perfect attendance and to find alternative ways to motivate and engage their students.

Addressing the cause of school attendance problems may be more effective

Addressing the root cause of student absenteeism is more effective than rewarding perfect attendance because it addresses the underlying issues that are causing the absenteeism in the first place. By addressing these issues, the absenteeism can be prevented or reduced, rather than simply trying to incentivize students to be present. Rewarding perfect attendance does not address the reasons why a student may be absent and may not be effective in the long term. Additionally, addressing the root cause of absenteeism can also lead to a decrease in absenteeism among all students, rather than just those who were motivated by the reward. By addressing the root causes of absenteeism, educators can create a more positive and inclusive school environment that supports the academic and personal growth of all students.