Should we bribe our children to do well in school?

In cities across America, some public school systems are rewarding students for perfect attendance by giving them money, shopping sprees, laptops, video games, and even a chance to win a car in a raffle. Yes it is true!

A controversial experiment was conducted by Dr. Fryer, an economic professor at Harvard University, to examine whether providing monetary rewards would increase student performance. In addition, there has been much discussion about incentives that are provided by teachers and parents.

Please read the following two articles.

Does Paying Kids to Do Well in School Actually Work?(https://www.edweek.org/leadership/does-paying-kids-to-do-well-in-school-actually-work/2017/10)

Paying Students May Raise Test Scores, But The Lesson Is Not Over(https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/05/19/477638689/paying-students-may-raise-test-scores-but-the-lesson-is-not-over)

Here is a YouTube video titled “Should Parents Pay Kids for Good Grades?” on the local TV channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PqTBNf61yI).

Another brief YouTube video by Dr. Madeleine Levine titled “Bribing Children” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh7p6k_w3fg) – 1:08 min. She is a well-known psychologist, author, and consultant.

After reading the articles and watching the videos, what are your thoughts? Are we doing young people any favors? Are we diminishing their passion for learning in our educational institutions?

Have you experienced these types of reward systems at your schools? From your parents? If so, then what kind of rewards did you receive? Do you think that these rewards worked in increasing your behavior?

In addition, is this a “good investment” in the future academic promise of our children and teenagers?

Do you agree, disagree, or have mixed feelings about this system? Why?

You can mention what you have observed in others (e.g., friends, peers, relatives) as well.

Lastly please read this brief article Should You Reward Kids for Being Kind? (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/should_you_reward_teens_for_being_kind) from the Greater Good Magazine, sponsored by UC Berkeley. The article focuses on social rewards vs. material rewards and their impact on children’s compassion & kindness towards others. Your thoughts?

ANSWER

 Should We Bribe Children to Do Well in School? Examining the Impact of Incentive Systems

Introduction

The use of rewards and incentives to motivate students is a topic of debate in education. Some argue that providing monetary rewards or material incentives can improve student performance and engagement, while others raise concerns about the potential negative effects on intrinsic motivation and the development of a genuine passion for learning. This essay explores the use of incentive systems, drawing from articles, videos, and personal experiences, to analyze the impact on young people’s educational experience and the question of whether these practices are a “good investment” in their future academic promise.

Examining Research and Expert Opinions

Dr. Fryer’s Experiment: Dr. Fryer’s experiment on paying students to increase performance highlights the potential short-term benefits in terms of test scores, but the long-term effects on intrinsic motivation and sustained academic achievement remain uncertain.

 Expert Opinions: The articles and videos present varying perspectives. Some argue that rewards can create a transactional mindset, diminishing intrinsic motivation and passion for learning. Others acknowledge that incentives may yield short-term improvements but caution against relying solely on external rewards.

 Personal Experiences and Observations

 Effects on Motivation: Personal experiences with reward systems in schools or from parents may vary. While some students may respond positively to incentives, others may become solely focused on the reward, potentially compromising their genuine interest in learning.

Mixed Results: Observations of friends, peers, and relatives suggest mixed outcomes. Some individuals may have been motivated by rewards initially, but over time, their motivation waned, indicating potential limitations of extrinsic incentives.

The “Good Investment” and Future Academic Promise

Consideration of Long-Term Goals: While incentive systems may yield short-term improvements, their impact on long-term academic success and the development of a lifelong passion for learning is unclear. Education should strive for holistic growth, encompassing intrinsic motivation, critical thinking, and creativity.

Balancing Incentives and Intrinsic Motivation: A nuanced approach is necessary, combining both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. Encouraging a love for learning, fostering curiosity, and cultivating a supportive learning environment may lead to sustainable academic success.

Social Rewards vs. Material Rewards

The article on rewarding kindness highlights the importance of social rewards, such as praise, recognition, and a sense of belonging, in fostering compassion and kindness in children. Over-reliance on material rewards may undermine the development of genuine empathy and intrinsic motivation for pro-social behaviors.

Conclusion

The use of incentives and rewards in education is a complex topic. While they may yield short-term improvements, there are concerns about their long-term impact on intrinsic motivation and the development of a genuine passion for learning. Striking a balance between extrinsic motivators and fostering intrinsic motivation is essential for supporting sustained academic success and holistic growth. Social rewards, including recognition and appreciation, can be powerful tools for nurturing compassion and kindness among children. Ultimately, education should aim to inspire a lifelong love for learning, empowering students to thrive academically and personally.