StudyBlog

When it comes to a student struggling with a homework routine, a clear and consistent system of expectations and rewards is crucial.  My experience demonstrates that, though they may complain about it at first, in the end, students find this liberating.  I believe this is because when they know exactly the parameters within which they can act, they feel freer to make good choices.  By giving them the power to make decisions and live with the consequences of those decisions, they will be less motivated to continually push boundaries, and more motivated to push themselves.

The trick is coming up with a system that works for your family and your situation.  As a private educator, I love the opportunities I get to “figure out” each of my students – to really see where they are coming from and how best to reach them with the information, skills, and encouragement they need.  I try to always go into a tutoring session with no preconceived notion of the “right” way to teach a student.  When it comes to education, as every child is different, so are the needs if every child.  Each has a different view of school, a different level of self-motivation, a different ability to organize and schedule time effectively, etc.

This means that your system of expectations and rewards must reflect the reality in which your child exists.  The expectations must be clear and realistic.  Telling a failing student that they are expected to get all A’s within a month’s time is neither; it doesn’t give them the tools for success.  Start with something like “I expect your homework assignments to be written in your assignment pad every day.” Let your child be an active part of coming up with these clear expectations (or goals).

The rewards, which a child will earn by fulfilling an expectation, must fit your child’s age and temperament.  A cookie might be a great reward for a six-year-old.  A teenager is going to be motivated by the opportunity to play their Xbox for an hour or have private use of their cell-phone for the night.  The key is coming up with a system, and being consistent in it’s application.  Use small rewards for daily expectations – like Xbox privileges for completing all assignments.  Larger rewards act as an incentive for long term goals – like taking your son and a few of his friends to his choice of restaurants if  when he brings is English grade up from a D to a B.  When a student sees that they can make their own choices, but need to live with the results of those choices, they make progress instead of excuses.