At UCT Online High School, we’ve cracked the code on fostering positive learning behaviours. Learn how our rewards programme can help your child become a better learner.
Establishing good learning behaviours is the bedrock for effective learning. Behavioural science has proven that game elements like points, levels, challenges and rewards are a great way to motivate learners and get them to engage with their studies more effectively.
At UCT OHS, we’ve used these principles of gamification to cater to the unique cognitive, emotional, and social developments of your child to optimise their learning behaviour.
“The rewards programme is a way to acknowledge and reward the learner behaviour that we believe sets learners up for success,” says Grant Ruskovich, Chief Partnerships Chief Officer at Valenture Institute
You might be wondering exactly how gamification helps your child to learn. We’ve got the answers.
TL;DR
- It promotes positive learning behaviours
- It keeps learners motivated
- It boosts engagement
- It harnesses the power of positive peer influence
- It provides immediate feedback
1. It promotes positive learning behaviours
Behavioural science has shown that gamification can drive strong behavioral change. At UCT Online High School, we incentivise positive learning behaviours through our rewards programme.
Our learners are rewarded for things like completing module paths, submitting formal assessments promptly, and attending live sessions.
“This initiative is designed to motivate learners to stay focused, on track, and to view learning as an enjoyable experience,” explains Ruskovich.
2. It keeps learners motivated
Gamification has a proven track record for motivating learners and enhancing their engagement. It’s particularly effective when it draws on both intrinsic (doing something for personal satisfaction) and extrinsic motivation (doing something to gain an external reward).
Because our programme incorporates game elements like tokens, leaderboards and rewards, we’re able to strike the perfect balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
3. It boosts engagement
Games have an amazing ability to capture learners' interest. When this is applied to a learning environment, this quality means increased learner engagement and participation.
For example, since introducing our rewards programme at UCT Online High School, we’ve seen a substantial increase in attendance at live sessions. Our rewards are so popular with our learners that they get fully snatched up within hours of going live on the rewards store.
4. It harnesses the power of positive peer influence
Our use of elements like leaderboards is also able to harness the positive influence of competition and peer recognition.
We’ve all experienced the drive to compete and outperform others, and even ourselves. These elements are highly effective in motivating learners to actively engage in their learning tasks.
“In an online environment, we rely on learners being consistently connected, actively engaged, and taking ownership of their education to successfully navigate the course content,” explains Ruskovich.
5. It provides immediate feedback
Adolescents thrive on instant feedback and timely rewards in order to reinforce desired behaviours. Our programme works so well because we’re able to deliver rewards quickly. Learners see a value for their efforts that’s both immediate and tangible.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in enrolling your child with a school that makes use of gamification, consider applying to UCT OHS. If you want to learn more about what we have to offer your child, you can contact us with any questions you might have.
