Avoid Rewards in the Classroom

by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Dr. Kelly Gfroerer

While rewards may be a quick way to motivate students, it is important to stop and think, “What are students learning when they receive rewards?” Research has shown that rewards are not effective long-term and in fact can be harmful to students. The rewards become more important than the inner satisfaction of learning and contribution.

Below is an excerpt from, Positive Discipline Tools for Teachers. Click Here to Order.

Tool in Action

Dexter, my four-year-old son, started a new year of preschool. Dexter’s pre-K teachers wanted to motivate their students to follow directions, participate in class, and engage in pro-social behaviors. So they decided to implement a sticker chart in the classroom. When a student received five stickers he or she could take a prize from the prize box.