Star-charts in the classroom : a survey

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of star-charts and other similar motivational techniques as part of the pedagogical strategies of primary school teachers in Malta. It investigates various implications especially teachers' perceptions as to the effectiveness of similar devices vis-a-vis the teaching and learning process. A sample of 387 teachers (53 males, 334 females) were interviewed using a face-to face questionnaire prepared by the researchers. Nearly half of the teachers interviewed stated that they use star-charts as part of their daily pedagogical programme. Star-charts are mostly used with mixed-ability classes for promoting desirable behaviour, effort, motivation and good manners. Individual races are publicly hung on classroom walls to promote competition : a climate that is encouraged by many primary teachers. Unhealthy competition and unintended discrimination between pupils are on the other hand recognised as some of the shortcomings of star-charts. Girls are likely to earn more stars than boys (55% for girls, 45% for boys), while female teachers tend to use star-charts in their classroom more than male teachers (47% versus 17%). It is also interesting to note that the majority of teachers who do not use star-charts still rely on other types of extrinsic rewards to motivate their pupils.