The Praise Wheel is a fun, interactive activity you can add to your Canvas course. It works like a digital spinner—when you spin the wheel, it lands on a compliment, complete with confetti for extra celebration.
Using the Praise Wheel brings the power of positive reinforcement into your teaching. Compliments boost motivation and help students feel recognised for their efforts. Turning praise into a game adds a layer of gamification that makes learning more enjoyable. This combination encourages students to stay engaged, take risks, and feel supported in the course.
You can download the Praise Wheel directly from Canvas Commons. Once it’s set up, you can use it to reward participation, highlight achievements, or simply add a burst of fun at the end of a module.
The wheel can be used in many ways: spin it during class discussions, after assessments, or as part of group activities. It provides a light-hearted way to celebrate progress while reinforcing key teaching goals.
Don’t love the default labels? You can contact Fleximode for a personalised version tailored to your course theme or teaching style. This makes it even easier to create a consistent and supportive classroom environment.
Hints and Tips
- Try spinning the wheel at random times, not just after tasks. Surprising students with praise keeps energy levels high and shows that effort is valued at all points in the learning journey.
- Use it for group rewards: Spin the wheel after teamwork activities to celebrate the effort of the whole class. This builds a stronger sense of community.
- Pair with learning milestones: Connect spins to key checkpoints, such as finishing a module or completing a quiz. This reinforces progress and achievement.
- Encourage peer praise: Let students take turns spinning the wheel to give compliments to classmates. This builds a culture of encouragement and shared success.
You can find this template directly in Canvas Commons. Just search for Praise Spinner and look out for the Fleximode Duck.