I believe in giving rewards
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I think the reward needs to be earned and I think the reward needs to represent the task. If you give a reward for handing in homework - bad. That's a responsibility, not something that needs to be rewarded. If you give a reward at the end of the year to a student that handed in all of their homework on time - good.
Also, the reward needs to acknowledge the accomplishment. It doesn't need to be a bribe. So, I give away small prizes very sparingly. A
sticker or an
award certificate are plenty.
Here's an interesting thread on what some teachers give aaway as prizes.
MES-English.com :: View topic - How many of you teachers give presents/prizes?