Motivation and Learning

Robin Kay (UOIT)

Based on Alfie Kohn’s Work Punished by Rewards (1999) Based on a review of 100’s of studies on this

use of rewards and punishments

Rewards and Punishment - Benefits Can work in the short term Easy to use You don’t have to figure out the problem, just

offer rewards Can give the appearance that you have good

control over your class

Rewards and Punishment – Challenges You are controlling students, not treating them

with respect – The student is a pet Students will only behave when the rewards

and punishments are present You don’t learn anything about the students,

their behaviour and possible learning challenges

You have to “up the ante” – student will expect better rewards or more severe punishments

Rewards and Punishment – Learning Teaches students to get rewards, not learn Decreases creativity Decreases willingness to take chances Decreases interest The underlying message:

This concept is so boring I have to bribe or coerce you into doing it

Competition One of the worst things you can do in the

classroom is encourage competition Only one person wins Learning is secondary Other students are the enemies Discourages collaboration Majority of students give up

More Alfie Kohn Home Page:

http://www.alfiekohn.org/index.php