Innovative incentives, such as pizzas and iPads, are being used by schools in England to encourage pupils to attend classes regularly. A new report suggests that combining rewards with sanctions leads to higher pupil engagement with attendance policies.
The Rewards of Attendance: A New Approach to Improving School Engagement
Pizzas, iPads, and praise stamps are just a few examples of the innovative incentives being used by schools in England to encourage pupils to attend classes regularly. According to a new report by the ‘National Foundation for Educational Research‘ (NFER), schools that combine rewards with sanctions see higher pupil engagement with attendance policies.
The Limitations of Punishment-Only Approaches
While some schools rely solely on fines, detentions, and letters home to crack down on absence, others have found success in using a rewards-based approach. Prize draws for bikes, iPads, trips, and ‘praise stamps’ that pupils collect and trade in for chocolates or stationery are just a few examples of the creative incentives being used.
Rewards are incentives offered to individuals for achieving specific goals, completing tasks, or making purchases.
They can be monetary, such as cashback or discounts, or non-monetary, like exclusive access to products or services.
According to a study by Incentive Research Foundation, 85% of employees are motivated by rewards and recognition in the workplace.
Rewards can also be used to drive customer loyalty and retention.
A More Effective Approach
The NFER study suggests that schools that combine rewards with sanctions report higher pupil engagement with attendance policies. This approach is more effective because it acknowledges that pupils may have legitimate reasons for missing school, such as illness or mental health challenges. By offering tangible benefits for attending classes regularly, these ‘schools aim to motivate pupils to prioritize their education’.
The Concerns of Parents and Education Professionals
However, some parents and education professionals are expressing concerns about the use of parental fines for non-attendance. Bridget Phillipson, the ‘education secretary‘, has backed the increase in fines from £60 to £80, but Anna Maxwell Martin, an actor who spoke out against the policy, described it as ‘cruel and idiotic’.
Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union, agrees that punitive measures are not effective. He argues that more students are struggling with anxiety and unmet special educational needs leading to increased absence. Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, also emphasizes the importance of individualized support that quickly identifies why a pupil is absent from school.
Education professionals have undergone significant transformations over the years. Historically, teachers were solely responsible for imparting knowledge to students. However, with the advent of modern education systems, their roles expanded to include curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment. According to a UNESCO report, 69% of countries have implemented competency-based education, where professionals focus on developing skills rather than just academic knowledge. This shift has led to increased emphasis on teacher training programs, equipping educators with the necessary skills to adapt to changing educational landscapes.
A Call for Personalized Approaches
The NFER study highlights the need for schools to prioritize encouraging and individualized approaches in addition to punitive sanctions. Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, echoes this sentiment, stating that findings echo what ‘school leaders tell us about the severe limitations of parental fines in improving pupil attendance’.
According to Matt Walker, NFER senior research manager and co-author of the report, attendance is strongly linked to educational outcomes. The study responses suggest that schools should consider prioritizing encouraging and individualized approaches in addition to punitive sanctions.
Regular attendance is a crucial aspect of academic and professional success.
According to research, students who attend classes regularly have better grades and higher graduation rates compared to those who frequently miss classes.
In the workplace, attending meetings and appointments on time demonstrates responsibility and respect for colleagues and supervisors.
Studies show that employees with good attendance records are more likely to receive promotions and bonuses.
