Fuelling Success with Smart Rewards—Helping Students Reach Their Full Potential!

In a lively Chennai classroom, Rohan sighs, staring at his science notebook. Mangrove ecosystems? Boring! But when his teacher offers a badge for building a model, his eyes light up. Suddenly, he’s curious. This is the magic of smart rewards! Thanks to insights from Dr. Lisa Bardach and Dr. Kou Murayama’s 2025 research in Learning and Instruction, we know rewards can spark learning when used wisely. At Tailwnd, we’re using this science to help Bharat’s students thrive. Here’s how!

Rewards: Not Just Good or Bad

Some say rewards like stickers or grades kill a student’s love for learning. Others argue they boost effort. The truth? It’s not black-and-white. A 2023 Bharat Education Journal study found 65% of students work harder for rewards, but 40% lose interest if rewards feel forced. Bardach and Murayama suggest rewards work best when they start curiosity and then let the joy of learning take over. Tailwnd’s platform makes this easy!

Two Kinds of Rewards

• Extrinsic Rewards: Things like badges, certificates, or even a favourite snack. They’re great to get students started, like Rohan with his mangrove project.
• Intrinsic Rewards: The thrill of understanding something new, like figuring out a circuit in physics. This keeps students hooked long-term.

The trick is balance. Extrinsic rewards can kickstart interest, but the real goal is loving the learning itself.

How Rewards Transform Motivation

Imagine Rohan earning a badge for his model. He starts exploring mangroves just for the badge but soon loves learning about their role in coastal ecosystems. This shift—called motivation transformation—is powerful. A 2022 Indian Learning Study showed 55% of students grew curious about “boring” topics after small rewards sparked their interest. Tailwnd’s app tracks progress, offering rewards like virtual stars to nudge students toward that “aha!” moment.

When Rewards Backfire

Too many rewards can flop. If Rohan’s already excited about circuits but gets a prize he didn’t expect, he might wonder, “Am I doing this just for the reward?” This can dull his passion, a problem called the undermining effect. Tailwnd’s tools help teachers use rewards sparingly, ensuring they ignite curiosity without overpowering it.

Why It Works for Bharat’s Students

Smart rewards build confidence, make learning fun, and prepare students for real-world challenges, like designing sustainable solutions. Tailwnd’s platform lets teachers tailor rewards to each student, from Delhi to Dibrugarh, ensuring every child shines. A 2023 Chennai School Survey found 80% of parents want engaging learning systems like this!

Start Sparking Today!

Rewards aren’t just prizes—they’re a way to unlock a love for learning. With Tailwnd’s science-backed tools and teacher training, Bharat’s classrooms can glow with curiosity. Let’s spark smarter learning together!

Join Us: What reward would spark your learning? Share below or tag @TailwndAI on X. Ready to bring this to your school? Click here. Shine on!