The main of goal of teaching – learning process is to achieve maximum learning among the pupils. This can only be made possible if all the learners will perform well in all the activities provided by the teacher. As a solution, teachers make use of giving rewards to encourage the pupils to exhibit good performance. It is believed that rewards have always been in place to provide motivation. They aid in providing a boost to push individuals to certain goals, and to reinforce positive behavior or attitude. (http://ezinearticles.com)

Rewards are not always helpful in enhancing achievement of pupils. At least two dozen studies have shown that people who expect to receive a reward simply do not perform as well as those who expect nothing. (Kohn, 1993). Sad to say, giving rewards inside the classroom elicit negative effects instead for many reasons.

 

One thing is that they turn good behavior into work. Changing good behavior with a reward gives the pupils an idea that they will only work hard if they have to be paid for it. Another is that it can bring resentment to the child who seldom receives a reward or to someone who does not receive it at all. The less fortunate classmates may feel jealousy or even a lack of self-worth.

 

In short, a reward given in exchange of good behavior can be a big mistake. It’s true that “do this right and you can get that reward” can improve behavior. Granting incentives in this way, doesn’t benefit pupils in the long run but rather make classroom management more difficult.

 

References:

Sarah Shore, “Using Reward Stickers for Teachers -Some-Advantages-and-Disadvantages (http://ezinearticles.com) retrieved 02/10/2014

 

By: Ana Maria P. Calimbas | Master Teacher I | Pilar Elementary School | Pilar, Bataan