2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The topic of our research explores the strengths and weaknesses of various forms of student incentives in performance, as well as the impact of peer feedback. New faculty members often struggle to determine the best way to motivate their students to succeed in the classroom. This work specifically considers the various advantages and disadvantages that incentives and disincentives present for student performance. The authors then consider the influence of peer feedback as an additional area of focus to drive positive change in student learning. After reviewing the best practices from different organizations, specific methods are recommended to faculty at the United States Military Academy (USMA). USMA faculty is comprised of a unique blend of active-duty Army officers and civilian instructors. While there are a select number of permanent faculty, the majority are rotational instructors who serve 2-3 years after obtaining a graduate level degree. The cadets at USMA also have unique academic requirements that incorporate physical, military, character, and leader development. These recommendations are meant to guide new faculty at USMA as they navigate the complex requirements of cadet education and the best techniques to elevate student learning. The study examines the impact of ranked-scale grading on student performance and finds that it ultimately improves results for high-performing students while not affecting those with moderate or low performance. Another key insight includes the ability to significantly enhance student performance by applying regular peer feedback in group work. Lastly, incentive-based programs such as extra credit can positively increase student performance if structured correctly by the professor.