Sol 5: Students Requesting Homework - Engaging XP Rewards Sheet

TL;DR: A rewards sheet adds a boost of motivation to your gamified classroom. It requires three parts: XP/levels, special test abilities, and special classroom actions. Make sure to avoid extrinsic rewards while adding exciting abilities and actions. 

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What is a reward sheet and how does it motivate?
Every student wants to feel rewarded and to gain an advantage or
edge in class. Motivation is the key to engagement. Implementing a reward sheet can serve as a motivational layer in your course. Be careful as you create your reward sheet. You must avoid a reward sheet full of extrinsic rewards or you will see quality of work decrease and do more harm than good. A reward sheet needs to have three parts to be a success with students in a gamified classroom.


1. XP and Levels - By completing challenges in class students earn experience points (XP) which allow them to reach more advanced levels. Once a student levels up (s)he gets a level up sticker, which I printed  in color using sticker paper. The sticker clearly shows what level they have reached and is visually appealing displaying a student's accomplishments.

2. Special Test Abilities - As a student levels up they earn special abilities. These abilities can never be taken away but can only be used on tests. The student is allowed to only pick two special abilities to use to their advantage on the test. Examples include: 50/50 (take away two incorrect answer choices on two questions) and a small cheat sheet.

3. Special Classroom Actions - On top of earning special abilities which are only used on tests, a student can also earn special actions used at anytime in the classroom. These actions have a one-time-use and after being used they are crossed off. Examples include: earning a set of hall passes, removing a late penalty, praise call/email home, forming a guild, and multiplying the XP on a challenge. 

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My gushy thoughts and 2 cents: 
I didn't expect this rewards sheet to be so successful. I even have students doing extra challenges at home and even requesting more work. Yes, students asking for homework! Many students are highly motivated to increase their XP so they can level up and earn more special abilities and special actions.