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Hello all,
As our semesters begin to wind down, I know many of you are faced with the daunting task of handing out "end of the semester" awards....and if you're not, the following the holiday break it's a good time to start the conversation in your school about what your "end of the year" awards look like.
As an educator, I always wrestle with awards. First, I'm not a huge fan of extrinisic motivators in general and continue to find mixed research and evidence as to their effectiveness. Secondly, I feel like while our intentions are always good - attempting to recongize and celebrate achievement - I think we too often find ourselves recongizing students who haven't really "achieved" anything, they merely find themselves best equipped to succeed academically when they entered the room by virtue of winning the "life lottery". Yes, many of our highest academic achievers have overcome a great deal and worked hard for their success....but so too have many of the students sitting in the gallery feeling ignored while their peers are celebrated.
So in an effort to not allienate kids, we often recognize more than one high achieveing student. I was once in a school that was "awarding" students who were "outstanding in math" for the semester. 55% of the student body was awarded. Did it diminish the award for those who receieved it? Did it just further humiliate those who didn't?
I think we have to ask ourselves as eductors who these awards are really for. Far too often, our awards exist because parents want them. Maybe it's not worth the battle to get rid of them in this case. Then again, depending on the impact it's having on your students, maybe it is.
Personally, I'm sick of of hearing people use the phrase 'everyone gets a tropy' as if plastic trophies are single handedly responsible for the downfal of western civilization. I'm not trying to advocate a return to the "self-esteem" craze of the '80's in education, but I am strongly advocating for schools and teachers to celebrate growth and progress on an individual level, recognizing that, as Auggie says in the R.J. Palacio's fantastic book Wonder “Everyone deserves a standing ovation because we all overcometh the world.”
If you're interested in hearing further thoughts on this topic, or if you're a fan of podcasts, or if you want to try something new and drop me some feedback on a fun, new endeavor, check out the latest episode of the Edunators' Podcast in which Jason and I talk about awards and the problem they can bring to schools.
The Eduantors' Podcast Episode 5: Debating Awards Ceremonies
Are you located in the Missouri area?
In addition to my normal work with our Professional Learning Communities, I'll be hosting four one-day trainings at the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center at the University of Missouri this spring. Check them out below! Not in the area? Email me today to see how I might be able to assist you, your teachers or your faculty.
Assessment Capable Learners
Strategies for K-5 Social Studies
Utilizing Priority Standards
Creating Momentum for Change
ON SALE NOW - Overcoming 25 Common Obstacles of Learning
While there are no “magic bullets” in the field of education, one of the things that separates true “Edunators” from the rest is their belief that, in fact, THEY ARE THE MAGIC BULLET that so many of our students are waiting on. This collection of philosophies written in response to the most frequently asked questions we receive during our popular “Teaching Like the Terminator” trainings, is designed to change your mindset when responding to some of the most common classroom obstacles of learning.
 As always, if there’s anything I can do for you or your students, please don’t hesitate to ask. Focus on learning, and be great today.
-Mark
markclements@Edunators.com
www.edunators.com
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