not sure about rewards!

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Home : 2001 : November : 18

not sure about rewards!
By sy

Giving rewards or "bribes" has been an interesting topic for myself, and other teachers for some time. I am still of the opinion that if we reward children for everything they do, then they will never want to do anything
unless there is a reward attached. Is it not our intention to teach children to be independant individuals that will succeed in this world? Somehow, giving rewards is more of the behavorist theory, in that if you keep giving stimulas they will respond. I much prefer the way of thinking that children should want to learn from recieving intrinsic rewards instead of extrinsic....as in candy

or such. But in saying that, I have had many heated debates (very enjoyable I might add) with my friends those that believe in rewards and those that do not. For me positive reinforcement just feels right. I think a pat on the back, a warm smile, words of encouragement seem to go further.
Now in saying that I did weaken once when I had a class of grade 2/3's that were wilder than I had ever seen. I had become the regular sub for this class......I now know why, because no one wanted to go there.....anyhow, I had tried positive reinforcement, and every other strategy that I had up my sleeve...nothing worked...they were out of control, not working...yikes. I then remembered a seminar I had gone to where the prof had said use brain food. In that I mean when they are working hard, give them a jelly bean, and call it brain food! Well, I broke down, and tried it. And yes it worked....but for only a short time. And then I kept thinking, how much candy is it going to take!
Anyhow, I haven't subbed in that class again, as I am focusing on schools closer to home, but I really wonder what would work for them.
Anyhow just some thoughts on rewards! There is really no wrong or right answer, perhaps like Cathy Dee says, you should use what works for you!