4 Fun and Meaningful Award Ideas for University Lecturers and Students

Everyone needs a little pick me up every now and again. And that isn't just hearsay: it is detailed Harvard research.

However, as the research shows, the older we get, and the older the people are within our environment, the more we tend to forget about the importance of positive reinforcement.

This is especially the case in higher education environments. But just because your students are now in university, doesn't mean that they do not need some positive reinforcement every now and again. Scroll down for four fun and meaningful award ideas for your university students.

1. Award Ideas 101: Give Out Class Superlatives to Every Student

Class Superlatives may seem a little juvenile at first. But as The Office shows us: they are an activity that can be fun at any age.

You can give out ones that are generic: i.e., best attendance or student most likely to turn in every assignment before everyone else.

But, to add a fun edge, you can also give out superlatives that are inside jokes for that class and that semester, i.e., "most likely heading to Parliament". They can be silly and fun, but make sure they are not offensive or hurtful. If you need help getting started, here are some ideas as a jumping off point.

2. A Little Friendly Competition Never Hurt Anybody

If giving out superlatives to every student at the end of the semester seems like a bit much, maybe you could start with some form of weekly incentive.

You could make it for anything: attendance, highest test score, most replies on a discussion board, the best doodle on a desk, or keep it random and changing every week to keep your students on their toes.

During the last class of the week, you could announce what the week's category was and who the winner is. The award? Perhaps one free pass from a homework assignment or a 5 pence gift card to Starbucks.

Giving students incentives can appear like a waste of time at first, but in time, you will notice a difference in effort and attendance.

3. Give Out Awards for Teamwork

Students already tend to study together during university. After all, the workload is much heavier, and work always seems to go by faster and easier when you are work with somebody else.

If you are aware of students who show up frequently to help others with test and project work, you can award them for their kindness and cooperation with others.

4. Don't Forget About Your Auditors

It is very common in university courses to have people who have just come to audit the class. They do not get any class credit. But that doesn't mean they do not deserve something for working so hard in your class.

There is something divine about students who are taking classes, not for the grade, but merely for the process and learning about something new.

Make sure to reward your auditors with a certification of completion. It isn't a diploma, but your thoughtfulness will be remembered and matters.

Let's Hear it for Positive Reinforcement!

These are just a few award ideas that you can apply to your university courses. The internet has countless more. While it may take some time getting these done in the beginning, the pay off will be worth it.

Not only for you but your students as well.

Do you have questions or comments on how to reward your students? Please feel free to contact us!