via nytimes.com
This interactive article by the New York Times shows how systems are sometimes more than enough to help people make good choices, it doesn't always have to be about education. In this case they study school lunch line design and healthy eating.
This example screams of the "shaping the path" concept from the book Switch by the Heath Brothers. If you are trying to implement change (personal or professional) in any way, you must read this book!
Alternatives to Food as a RewardFood is commonly used to reward students for good behavior and academic performance. It’s an easy, inexpensive and powerful tool to bring about immediate short-term behavior change. Yet, using food as reward has many negative consequences that go far beyond the short-term benefits of good behavior or performance.
Research clearly demonstrates that healthy kids learn better. To provide the best possible learning environment for children, schools must provide an environment that supports healthy behaviors. Students need to receive consistent, reliable health information and ample opportunity to use it. Finding alternatives to food rewards is an important part of providing a healthy school environment.The number of birthdays and holidays celebrated by an average elementary school class means that sweets can become regular snacks, rather than occasional, special treats. In addition, it has become increasingly common for teachers to use candy to reward and motivate students. If food must be used as a reward, healthy choices are encouraged and it should be part of a learning experience. This flyer offers alternatives to help promote consistent messages about food and health.
Our lower school division head shared this resource from Kansas State's Johnson County branch of the Research and Extension services about alternatives to food as a reward. It is well written, easy to understand, and has great tips. Read the full post here.