Many different researchers have come up with the same findings..that the use of rewards increases learner stress.
Spielberger in 1972 linked up the physiological states of anxiety, negative stress and threat with thinking and human
performance. He says that anxiety:
- reduces the ability to solve complex problems
- reduces learner responsiveness to the environment
- increases stereotyped, low risk behaviour increases learner attentiveness and reliance upon external systems of rewards
and punishments.
Rewards Can Kill Intrinsic Motivation in that extrinsic motivations inhibits intrinsic motivation.
Learners who have been bribed for either good work or good behaviour soon finds that the last reward is just not good enough.
He starts in Kindergarten with the smiley sticker, then cookies and candies, then a pizza for the grade, and by 8th grade
he is being bribed by his parents. When intrinsic motivation is killed off the learner gets labelled as 'unmotivated'. Like
the rat in the cage the learners behaviour gets good enough to just get the reward.
A reward is defined as a compensation or consequence that has a market value and is predictable.
If it is both these things, then it becomes a bribe. Replace this with an alternative...
- Acknowledgements, both verbal and non-verbal
- Boost quality and quantity of feedback
- Celebrations marking periodic successes
- Demonstrate and role model the joy of learning
- Enhance relationships
- High need relevance
- Choice and Creativity
- Optimal environment
Is there a place for rewards?
Kohn says yes "if your objective is to get people to obey and order,show up on time and do what they are told," rewards
can work, but, rewards are simply changing the specific 'in the moment' behaviour, and not the 'person.'
However if your objective is to achieve any of the following, rewards simply don't work:
- Long term quality performance
- becoming self directed learners
- developing values of caring, respect and friendliness
- creativity and higher order thinking skills
- honesty, integrity and self confidence
- inner drive and intrinsic motivation
Punished by Rewards. Kohn
