The Effect of Reward Time on Classroom Behavior

Abstract

This study was conducted by an Integrated Arts teacher to determine how best to maximize lesson time and successful learning and to minimize stress that stemmed from large class sizes and space constraints. The researcher wanted to test an intervention technique that rewarded students for positive behavior, similar to the point and reward system already in place, for certain second grade classes that were falling behind, both academically and behaviorally. The question at hand was ‘if smaller point goals are set for two second grade classes and more reward time is given when set goals are met, will time on task and classroom behavior improve?’ In order to answer this question, the researcher kept record of daily points and students’ grades earned during the experiment and compared them to the points and grades earned prior to the experiment. Classes that had smaller goals set for them and received immediate gratification with reward time were able to earn more points on a daily basis and improve the class’s average percentage grade.