Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Students Achievement
By Robert J. Marzano, Debra J. Pickering, and Jane E. Pollack
Recognition decreases intrinsic motivation when the students perceived it as undeserved, when the task is considered easy, as it can lower the perception of student's ability. It will help the students if the recognition is given for accomplishing harder tasks that meets performance standards. Verbal reward seems to work better and the best way is to make the recognition as personal as possible. However, as with all the techniques, they can't be overused because will not be as effective. The most abstract and symbolic the rewards are, the more powerful they are. "Providing recognition for attainment of specific goals not only enhances achievement, but it stimulates motivation."