Good students get prize card to avoid penalty
(eastday.com)
Updated: 2004-02-23 10:01

Teachers at one Shanghai school have come up with a new way to reward outstanding students, giving them the high school equivalent of a get out of jail free card.

Starting last semester, the No. 2 High School, which is affiliated to Tongji University in Putuo District, began awarding bronze cards to elite students who had won prizes at school-level contests. The cards are inscribed with Chinese characters meaning "I can make it."

Card holders who slip up in the future by being late for school or not handing in homework on time can give the card back to avoid punishment. Generally, students have to write a letter of apology or do extra homework for such infractions.

The card won't get students off the hook for more serious offenses, school officials said.

Teachers also track students progress in school, giving them points for small achievements. Ten such points will earn them a bronze card.

"The creative award system was set up to push students to progress in their studies and other areas," said Qing Huikang, a teacher at the school.

His class was the first to try out the new system. So far, four students have earned bronze cards, but none of them have turned them in to avoid punishment.

"The exemption card is so precious and honorable that I don't want to use it," said Mao Xiaofeng, the class monitor.

Mao was awarded a card after he was elected vice chairman of the student union last semester. The 16-year-old said he decided not to use the card to avoid writing an apology after showing up late for class one morning.

"Holding such a card made me feel privileged among my fellow students," Mao said.

The cards have been a hit with students and some parents.

"As such kind of privileges are often found in stories, the award system caters to children's tastes," said a local mother surnamed Wu.

"Substantial exemptions can let children learn that they will be awarded for their efforts. That is more effective than just giving them praise," said Zhang Guofang, another Shanghai parent.

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