Beyond the Norm: Leveraging Carrots and Sticks to Fuel Post-graduate Students’ Enthusiasm in Class

Abstract

This study assesses the carrot and stick theory's role in boosting engagement and enthusiasm among postgraduate students, particularly within a business research methodology course targeting adult learners. It confronts the challenge of maintaining these learners' interests, which tends to wane without innovative and captivating teaching methods. The investigation focuses on combating the noticeable dip in student engagement during presentations by testing a reward-based system. Over two semesters, the research compared three experimental classes that introduced rewards for active engagement—especially for those asking insightful questions—against one control class that utilized a rotation system for student participation as panellists. Engagement levels were quantified using student responses from Poll Everywhere polls, evaluating their reception and feedback on the sessions. The experimental approach significantly outperformed the control in terms of student enjoyment, engagement, and initiative, confirming the effectiveness of incentive-driven strategies in educational settings. These findings advocate for the carrot and stick method's utility in promoting a more interactive and engaging classroom atmosphere for adult learners, emphasizing its importance for improving educational experiences in higher education.