Using reward contingencies in online activities to facilitate engagement in a statistics class

Abstract

This paper presents the use of an online learning management system to establish a system of reward contingencies to facilitate student engagement in a statistics class. Based on a behaviourist framework, the proposed system uses immediate rewards for weekly studying. It also incorporates punishment to discourage breaking patterns of consistent weekly study. Student evaluations at the end of the semester showed students’ acknowledgement that the system led them to study more frequently and consistently than they otherwise would have, and that the feedback made the study more effective. However, some students reported feeling that the punishment system was unfair. An alternative system is suggested in response to this criticism.