The Photography Teacher's Handbook

Chapter 12 Badge Awards

Badges Motivate

The use of badges for the recognition of achievement has become popular across all levels of education, throughout a wide variety of academic subjects. Badges are issued by teachers in recognition of some accomplishment, as a reward for progress, or in acknowledgment of skill mastery. Much like the long-standing Boy Scout merit system where the attainment of badges “culminates in advancement and recognition—provides several learning experiences. It gives a Scout the confidence achieved through overcoming obstacles. Social skills improve. Self-reliance develops” (Merit Badge Program, 2/24/15). Another example of a traditional use of badges is in video games, where players strive to acquire badges and attain ...