At EO STEM Jam, we encounter a common concern in education: Could rewarding children for solving math problems unintentionally imply that math is just a means to an end, something to "get through" for a reward? This raises an important question about whether extrinsic rewards risk overshadowing the intrinsic satisfaction of learning. Educational research supports that when incentives are not thoughtfully balanced, they can indeed affect motivation. However, EO STEM Jam has addressed this challenge—our structure promotes immediate engagement while fostering curiosity and self-driven progress in a way that keeps math fun and meaningful.
Here’s how we do it: by combining carefully designed incentives with choice-based learning and skill progression.
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At EO STEM Jam, children earn Olympiaeuro tokens by solving math tasks, with each level of difficulty offering more tokens: for example, Level 1 grants 1 Olympiaeuro, while Level 6 grants 6 Olympiaeuro. This incremental reward system provides a clear incentive for children to strive for higher levels, rewarding effort and growth. Tokens can be spent in the Fun Market or on STEM activities, allowing students to explore additional educational and recreational options, choosing the activities they find most exciting and suitable.
Studies from the University of Chicago, for example, found that small, immediate rewards help improve student performance by connecting effort with an immediate outcome, making learning feel more meaningful and motivating without reducing intrinsic interest in future tasks (University of Chicago News, Frontiers in Psychology, Harvard Business School, Soar). Other studies, such as those published by Boniecki and Moore, demonstrate that modest rewards reinforce focus and positive behaviors, promoting long-term engagement in tasks without overshadowing intrinsic interest (ERIC).
This structure fosters goal-setting by making progress tangible. As children see the direct link between their efforts and rewards, they are encouraged to reach beyond their current level. Students who consistently complete a level are often supported by volunteers or teachers to "level up" and try harder tasks. This gradual progression not only builds skills but also reinforces a growth mindset, helping children feel accomplished and ready to take on more advanced challenges.
EO STEM Jam’s choice-driven structure allows children to select task difficulty based on their confidence and readiness. Many students are naturally curious and may choose to attempt higher levels simply out of interest. Our system supports this curiosity by providing tasks that go beyond the standard school curriculum, particularly at higher levels like Level 6. This encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones and explore new concepts in a low-pressure setting, promoting both self-driven learning and enjoyment.
This emphasis on choice and curiosity aligns with Self-Determination Theory, which highlights autonomy as a key factor in intrinsic motivation. By allowing children to set their own pace and challenge level, EO STEM Jam empowers them to learn through exploration and self-assessment. This choice-driven autonomy encourages children to engage deeply with math as a personal journey, enhancing both satisfaction and perseverance (Harvard Scholar)..
EO STEM Jam’s model effectively blends internal and external motivators. Olympiaeuro tokens serve as positive reinforcement for effort, while the choice-driven structure allows students to set personal goals and progress independently. This approach nurtures both curiosity and sustained interest, as children see math as a rewarding experience with real, enjoyable outcomes.
In summary, EO STEM Jam uses small rewards, choice, and incremental challenges to foster motivation, resilience, and a love for math. By supporting both immediate engagement and long-term growth, the program helps children develop math skills in an environment that values both fun and achievement.
Let’s make math accessible, desirable, and emotional! 💪❤️