What drives any of us to do our best? Money? Incentives? Fear of punishment?
As a child, I was often motivated to accomplish tasks because of the rewards. My parents and teachers both bargained with me - a glittery sticker for an A+ and a lollipop for going to piano classes. These little rewards delivered a short-term boost - "just as a jolt of caffeine can keep you cranking for a few more hours." (Pink, 8) However, as I grew older these little rewards like stickers and lollipops no longer motivated for me. Likewise, in my upper-elementary practicum classrooms I consistently see how rewards and punishments are no longer effective to the older students. Maybe that is one of the main reasons why I fear teaching upper elementary students - if rewards and punishments don't work what am I supposed to do?
According to Pink, the key to truly motivate individuals is to unleash the third drive, which is focused on the pure joy of performing a task. Harlow's and Deci's experiments give us an insight on how the third drive can be much more powerful than simple rewards. I am looking forward to learn how to open up my future students to the third drive by reading this book.
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