One way to motivate students is by using Class Badges. I think of Class Badges as a virtual pat on the back or a way to say "attaboy" or "attagirl". Students love being recognized and they love using technology. So if students get to log-on to an account to see their badges, it could really be a powerful tool. And just think! Parents could log on to their child's account and see their accomplishments at home!
Okay, some of you may think that students won't be motivated by a badge that is just some clipart on a website. But, from my experience they are! Our third and fourth grade students have used IXL to practice math concepts for the past two years. After they complete a concept area they get a virtual award. They LOVE going to their awards page and checking out their accomplishments! Very powerful!
Right now I am thinking of using badges for AR, Math Tests, Writing Prompts, Blog Posts, and completion of Projects. I have also thought about using it for behavior but I think that might get tedious.
What do you think about the use of Class Badges? What type of badges would you create?
Love your ideas for using ClassBadges! I agree that behavior rewards might get tedious. I think the badges you have selected will be a good way to get started.
ReplyDeleteI believe that ClassBadges will be adding a feature to allow students to take the badges and post them on a webpage or a blog. So if you plan to blog with your students this year, that will be another place where they will be able to display their badges.
I hope that they do add a share feature so students can post their badges to their blogs! I think that would really be motivating.
DeleteGood ideas Jamie. I liked your idea of parents being able to see their child's badges. Hopefully the students would be excited enough to want to share them with their parents without coaxing. I decided on an AR Badge as you did, and will try some badges that require the students to do some learning on their own. I have created a Mad Scientist Badge and History Buff Badge for these purposes. As I said on Meagan Priebe's post it is beneficial for me to see what the fourth grade teachers in the district are doing. Hopefully I can carry on some of the traditions all of you have started.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! I love the independent learning badges idea. That could be really fun and hopefully get them going above and beyond the required assignments! You are so insightful for wanting to carry on the traditions from 4th grade! I think that would make some of the new 5th graders' transitions to the middle school a little easier. I'm glad we connected and can share ideas with each other! Thanks for visiting my blog!
DeleteSharing with parents is a great idea! It could be a shout out in the newsletter. That might be a real incentive to compete to get the " top 5 most badges" in one time period.
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