Paying Students Backfires
The idea of giving cash rewards to students for good grades or class ranks seems like it could motivate them to do better academically. That's probably why some people think offering money as an extrinsic reward might push students to improve their performance. But if you really think about it, paying kids for their grades or class positions could actually backfire and demotivate those who naturally want to succeed.
There are way better strategies schools should use to encourage learning and academic achievement. One big issue with tying money directly to things like test scores is it might make students think learning itself isn't financially rewarding. Kids could just get super focused on trying to earn the cash prizes instead of actually wanting to learn for their own growth.
Yeah, giving little treats or prizes for things like answering questions or being quiet is one thing for young kids. But research shows students who are mostly motivated by potentially getting a reward don't tend to be as engaged in really learning compared to those who have a genuine interest in the topics.
Another problem is money incentives could breed jealousy and unhealthy stress in the academic environment. Not every student has the same skills or same access to extra learning resources outside school. Giving cash rewards for top performances basically ignores how circumstances differ for each kid and overlooks factors like their economic situations at home. Doing that risks damaging self-esteem for lower achievers and fracturing the sense of community among classmates.
Instead of just paying out to an elite few "winners", schools would be better off using other tactics to encourage the learning process itself. Like recognizing the effort kids put in - especially when they work really hard to finally grasp a tough concept. Students who overcome obstacles or show real perseverance deserve to be uplifted. Creating an overall mindset celebrating any bit of progress can motivate all students at different levels.
Any extra funds are way better spent improving the general learning environment and resources that every student can benefit from. More teacher's aides, tutoring programs, better classroom materials, and investing in arts/science activities gives all kids an equal opportunity to thrive. Enhancing the baseline facilities and support systems from elementary level up tends to raise achievement more than just singling out and paying individual "winners".
At the end of the day, while there's logic behind cash incentives for top students to push them further, it risks undermining the spirit of learning, fairness and community that education should nurture. Recognition and praise for hard work makes sense, but cash prizes breed envy and an unhealthy obsession with rewards over growth. Schools with limited funds are better off creating an enriching, well-rounded environment that gives every kid a real chance to reach their full potential.
The thing is this, while paying students monetary incentives for high academic performance may seem like a motivational tactic at any education level, the potential drawbacks outweigh any perceived benefits across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
A far better use of resources is fostering an environment that evenly promotes the intrinsic love of learning in all students, regardless of their current achievement levels or stage of education. By investing in tools, teaching staff, facilities and strategies that engage every child and young adult's curiosity while removing external barriers to their growth, schools and universities can empower an entire generation of lifelong learners hungry for knowledge - not temporary financial windfalls.
The most meaningful and lasting academic gains come from nurturing that internal drive and creating enriching settings where minds can organically flourish. Whether kindergarten or college, the greatest incentive is an atmosphere that instills a passion for learning in and of itself.
Hmm. You raised a valid and most important point. Ensuring the facilities outside of school is difficult either. Ignoring the rank rewards can be given to all students who make good results. If guardian are aware of cash rewards they will try their best to give the best facility. You might be thinking form where they will get the money. It depends on the priority and the willpower of a student. Didn't you notice how people manage the wifi, and electricity bills in time? How do they manage it?
I agree with your position when considering primary and secondary school. But at tertiary level, I don't see anything wrong in giving financial rewards to students that came out top of the class. At that level, it motivates others to do well. I have seen people criticized programs like Big brother 9ja because of the huge prize given to the winner. They juxtaposed it with a first class graduate that received nothing for his academic excellence. I think I agree with them.
Well, you've got a point.
At the tertiary level, financial incentives can motivate students to excel. A cash prize or scholarship can be a huge help. However, It's unfair that BBNaija an co shows get all the glamour, while academic achievements are overlooked.
🙏🙏🙏🙏. That's the main issue. Thank you for your awesome input.