How Rewards Crush Student Motivation In The Classroom

Motivation in the classroom is easy, right? We dangle rewards in front of kids and they’ll change their behaviour to get the rewards.But what if that idea is wrong? What if using rewards actually diminishes children’s motivation in the long term?In today’s episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the surprising science of reward systems… so you know exactly how to increase pupil motivation in your classroom.Important links:Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/classroom-management-scoresheet.phpJoin our exclusive Inner Circle membership - get your first 7 days for just one pound: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpJoin our FREE Classroom Management and Student Behaviour FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/school.behaviourDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSave £250 on National SEMH Conference tickets with Super Early BirdSuper Early Bird tickets for the National SEMH Conference end soon, giving you £250 off each place. Join us in October 2026 for a full day of practical workshops focused on the SEMH, behaviour, SEND and inclusion pressures schools are facing right now. Book your Super Early Bird place here before the offer ends.