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
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