Chapter 2 & 2A

As Zeba mentioned in her blog post, children often do become addicted or dependent on rewards given to good behavior. At the same time, I disagree that bribing students cannot lead to true learning because for some students, especially the kindergarteners and lower elementary children, bribery can open doors to various learning experiences. For example, if an English Language Learner (ELL student) is afraid to read English books aloud, you can offer that child a small treat like a sticker while explaining the benefits of practicing reading aloud.  In my practicums, I have seen teachers effectively use bribes in such ways, without excessively using and abusing them.

Previously on the blog, Laura mentioned how younger students tend to be more intrinsically motivated than the older children. I agree with her opinion because through my experience of being a nanny for preschoolers and a tutor for 5th graders, I know first-hand that most young children work hard in class to please their teachers or parents while older children tend to get distracted trying to please their peers.  I think the key to motivate older students is to use this "motivation to please their peers" as an advantage. During my tutoring sessions with 5th graders at Orange City Elementary, I always had students discuss their answers in small groups with each other. I realized that the students enjoyed explaining the process and techniques they used to solve problems to their peers instead of explaining it to me. As Pink mentions in chapter 2, people tend to do better in a relaxed environment because being in a relaxed environments allows us to become more creative.

After reading chapter 2 and about "The Seven Deadly Flaws" I am now determined to never abuse rewards and punishments because I would hate to encourage cheating, shortcuts and unethical behavior in my classroom. Instead of focusing on the short-term and opt for controlling my student's behaviors with strict punishments, I hope I can teach my future students how to set goals for themselves.