In recent years, the issue of how to reward students in education has become a topic of debate. While some argue that learners who attain the top scores in their exams deserve rewards, others assert that those who demonstrate development in their performance should be the ones rewarded. I firmly believe that rewarding progress rather than high scores leads to better educational outcomes.
On the one hand, those who advocate for rewarding students with the highest scores argue that it is important to recognize and incentivize academic excellence. In other words, if students know that achieving the highest scores will lead to rewards, they may be more motivated to work hard and excel in their studies. A prominent example can be seen in Egypt where top-performing students are often given scholarships and other incentives to continue their academic success. Although this view seems to be reasonable, I still think the other view holds greater benefits.
On the other hand, rewarding students who show progress can be more beneficial, as it encourages all students to strive for improvement, regardless of their starting point. By recognizing and rewarding progress, students who may not achieve the highest scores initially are still motivated to work hard and improve over time. For instance, in multiple studies conducted in schools in the Middle East, students who showed consistent progress in their academic performance were more likely to develop a growth mindset and achieve long-term success. Thus, it can be said that rewarding progress is more inclusive and can lead to overall improvement in student outcomes.
In conclusion, after this essay has provided the reasons for both views, it can be claimed that rewarding progress is mor pivotal for fostering a growth mindset and motivating all students to improve. Therefore, educational institutions should focus on rewarding progress to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.