A new study from Vanderbilt University found your kids might be more motivated by certificates than money.
Researchers found certificates of recognition mailed to the home motivated middle school children to attend after-school tutoring programs more than the promise of getting $100. Girls were also 25% more likely to attent the tutoring sessions when they received certificates.
Researchers selected 300 5th-8th graders and randomly assigned them to three groups: The group receiving $100 for attending tutoring programs, the group receiving a certificate and a group that received nothing. 17% of the kids who received no reward attended after school tutoring, 43% of kids who received a certificate attended and just 8% of those who received nothing attended. Researchers believe since the certificates were mailed to student’s homes, their parents were more likely to praise and reinforce their children’s efforts, leading to an increase in the child’s efforts. (continue reading at Fox17)