Ch. 2 and 2a

I totally agree that extrinsic rewards can be damaging for our students in the classroom.  As a student myself, I can see how it encourages short-term thinking because a lot of times I just want the reward of a grade.  All the other stuff in between loses its value, because the focus is more on getting the homework assignment done rather than gaining an understanding and appreciation of the process. 

I always see signs of extrinsic rewards becoming addictive in classes.  This makes learning lose its authenticity if students only see homework as a pathway to earn a reward.  Time after time, I hear students say, “What do we get if we do this?” or my favorite, “But last time you gave us…”  I like the idea of rewarding students, and it is effective when its given for a rudimentary task after completion, but it is not effective when the students begin to expect it after every assignment.  I think a more effective measure, like Samantha said, is to verbally praise a child instead of giving them a tangible reward.  Students should look forward to positive attention they might receive from the teacher, not candy or another extrinsic reward.