Using Rewards in the ESL Classroom — Dos and Don'ts
March 2026 · Motivation
Rewards are controversial in education. Used well, they can kickstart engagement and reinforce desired behaviors. Used poorly, they undermine intrinsic motivation and create dependency. This guide covers when rewards help, when they harm, and how to use them effectively in ESL.
The Research on Rewards
Deci, Koestner, and Ryan's meta-analysis (1999) found that tangible rewards for interesting tasks decrease intrinsic motivation. However, verbal praise, unexpected rewards, and rewards for completing boring-but-necessary tasks can be effective. The key distinction: reward the process and effort, not just the outcome.
Effective Reward Strategies
Praise effort, not talent — "You worked hard on that!" not "You're so smart!"
Use unexpected rewards — Surprise recognition after good work, not promised incentives
Gamify strategically — Points and badges for completion, not for accuracy
Fade rewards over time — Start with external rewards, transition to self-monitoring
What to Avoid
Rewarding tasks students already enjoy — this kills intrinsic motivation
Competitive rewards (only the winner gets something) — demotivates most students
Rewards that feel controlling — "If you do X, you'll get Y"
Material rewards for every task — creates expectation and dependency
FAQ
Are stickers appropriate for adult learners?
Generally no — they can feel patronizing. For adults, use verbal recognition, progress tracking, certificates of completion, or simply the satisfaction of visible progress.