Negative Effects of Reward Systems

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Learning Goal

I can identify the negative effects of reward systems.

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Recap: We explored different ways to positively reinforce the behavior we would want to see. It is also important to discuss some of the ways certain strategies of positive reinforcement can negatively affect a child´s development.

Explain

Now, I am not going back on my word that students need positive reinforcement. This is true. However, if you notice you are positively reinforcing and nothing is changing or things are getting worse, you need to re-evaluate your strategy.

Think about it: Positive reinforcement and incentives are not the same thing.

Students need to possess some level of intrinsic motivation. They need to begin holding themselves accountable in order to change. It is one thing for you to acknowledge them, but they also have to acknowledge themselves. When you add incentives to this changed behavior, it can affect that intrinsic motivation for a variety of reasons.

Students begin to associate good behavior with prizes.
- If they do something good, they are to receive something for it. That is not true. You are not always rewarded for making good choices. You should make them naturally because it is the right thing to do.
In some cases, students only work because they believe they will receive something.
- When that incentive is not there, they no longer do the work or they pick and choose when they need to meet their expectations. Again, that should not be an option for them. The expectations are always there regardless of a prize.
Their self-esteem is lowered.
- When there is no reward, they believe they are not good enough. In reality. they are probably doing exactly what needs to be done, but looking for that external validation does not support their growth. The fear of not receiving a reward can lead to anxiety or shame.
Rewards can increase a fixed mindset.
- Students stop looking at the process of changing their behavior because they are focused on the end result of receiving a prize. Sticker charts, however, can be an effective incentive because it allows to students to pay attention to their progress over a period of time.
It decreases their empathy and care.
- Students start to develop a self-interest mentality when you attempt to redirect them. They can begin thinking about ¨What is in it for me?¨

Apply

Check out this video that takes a deeper dive into the negative effects of reward systems.

Your Task: Reflect on your own experience implementing a reward system. How did it work for you? Did it support your students´ behavior or did it negatively impact it? Provide your answers on typeform.

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References

minute, teaching. (2012, May 4). Teachingminute: Positive reinforcements. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ml1tih5zSY

Epstein, M. H. (2008). Reducing behavior problems in the elementary school classroom. National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Dept. of Education.
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McKinney, A. (2023, July 7). Educator mindsets affect student performance. Teach. Learn. Grow. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2023/educator-mindsets-affect-student-performance/
Vanberbilt University. (2024). How can teachers increase the chances that their students will behave appropriately?. IRIS Center. https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/beh1/cresource/q2/p06/
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Bath, P. (2019, May 4). How I respond to escalating behaviors. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f3tAhFWaLE
YouTube. (2012, February 28). Second grade students misbehaving in reading group. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4KLmUdczc8&t=5s
Bath, P. (2014b, June 19). How to meet oppositional defiance with a consistent limit... YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giHErboGZno
Timm, M. (n.d.). Acknowledging children’s positive behaviors - CSEFEL. http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/briefs/wwb_22.pdf
Persike, C., & Stephens, G. (2023, September 16). The dark side of rewards, part 1: Why incentives do more harm than good in the classroom. Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint - Opening Doors to Safer and More Inclusive Schools. https://endseclusion.org/2023/05/06/the-dark-side-of-rewards-why-incentives-do-more-harm-than-good-in-the-classroom/
End, S. (2023, June 21). The dark side of rewards. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkeAWNOODtw