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The Hidden Cost of Gold Stars

Imagine a world where learning is driven by curiosity, not by gold stars or grades.

Where work is fueled by passion, not paychecks.

Sounds idealistic, right?

But what if I told you this world isn't just possible, but necessary for genuine growth and innovation?

Alfie Kohn, a renowned author and lecturer on human behavior, challenges our deeply ingrained beliefs about motivation. He argues that rewards, much like punishments, are not just ineffective for long-term success - they're actually harmful.

Think about it.

How many times have you seen a child's eyes light up when promised a treat for good behavior?

Or an employee working overtime for a bonus?

It works, doesn't it? Well, yes and no.

Sure, rewards can get immediate results. They're great at making people comply in the short term.

But here's the catch - they don't nurture genuine interest or commitment. Instead, they create a dependency on external motivation.

Let's break this down with an example.

Imagine two students studying for a test. Student A is promised $20 for every A grade. Student B is simply encouraged to learn for the sake of understanding.

Who do you think will retain more information in the long run?

Kohn's research suggests it would be Student B.

Why?

Because intrinsic motivation - the desire to learn for its own sake - is far more powerful and lasting than any external reward.

But it goes deeper than that.

Rewards can actually diminish our natural curiosity and love for learning.

They shift our focus from the task itself to the reward.

We start asking, "What's in it for me?" instead of "What can I learn from this?"

The overjustification effect

A couple proudly shared with Professor Mark Lepper, researcher at Stanford, how they had transformed their son’s behavior at the dinner table using a points-based reward system.

Their son now sat up straight, ate his vegetables, and behaved impeccably.

Everything seemed perfect—until they went to a fancy restaurant.

Their son, surveying the elegant surroundings, picked up a crystal glass and innocently asked, "How many points not to drop this?"

This story, shared by Lepper, brilliantly encapsulates the unintended consequences of over-relying on rewards to shape behavior.

While the reward system worked wonders at home, it inadvertently taught the child to expect a reward for every action, even in different contexts.

Lepper’s groundbreaking research at Stanford further supports this.

In his studies, children who were promised a "Good Player" award for drawing with magic markers lost interest in the activity once the rewards stopped.

In contrast, children who drew without any promise of a reward maintained their interest and enjoyment​ (Stanford Bing School)​​ (Alfie Kohn)​.

This phenomenon, known as the overjustification effect, shows that while external rewards can prompt immediate compliance, they often kill intrinsic motivation and long-term interest.

This effect isn't limited to education.

In workplaces, bonuses and promotions often lead to a culture of competition rather than collaboration.

Employees might cut corners or hide information to get ahead.

The result? A toxic environment that stifles creativity and teamwork.

So, what's the alternative? Kohn suggests creating environments that nurture intrinsic motivation. This means:

1. Providing choices: Let people have a say in what they do and how they do it.

2. Encouraging collaboration: Foster a sense of community rather than competition.

3. Focusing on the process: Celebrate effort and progress, not just end results.

4. Offering meaningful feedback: Instead of grades or ratings, give specific, constructive comments.

These strategies might seem less straightforward than dangling a carrot or wielding a stick.

But they lead to deeper engagement, better performance, and, most importantly, a genuine love for learning and work.

Similarly, punishments can be equally harmful.

They may stop unwanted behavior temporarily, but they don't address the underlying reasons for that behavior.

Also, they can create resentment and fear, which are hardly conducive to a healthy, productive environment.

Students who are punished for poor grades may not develop a genuine understanding of the material but rather look for ways to avoid getting caught or figure out how to game the system.

Think about your own experiences.

When have you felt most motivated?

Was it when you were chasing a reward, or when you were deeply engaged in something you found meaningful?

Kohn's ideas challenge us to rethink our approach to motivation, both as individuals and as a society.

It's not about eliminating all forms of recognition - it's about shifting our focus from external incentives to internal drives.

Imagine classrooms where students are excited to explore new ideas, not because they'll get a sticker, but because they're genuinely curious.

Picture workplaces where employees innovate and collaborate, driven by purpose rather than bonuses.

This vision might seem idealistic, but it's grounded in solid research.

By moving away from rewards and punishments, we can tap into the powerful intrinsic motivators that drive human behavior: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

The transition won't be easy.

Our reward-based systems are deeply ingrained.

But the potential benefits - more engaged learners, more innovative workers, and ultimately, a more fulfilled society - make it a goal worth pursuing.

So next time you're tempted to offer a reward for good behavior or performance, pause. Ask yourself: Am I fostering compliance or commitment? Am I encouraging a love for the task itself, or just a desire for the reward?

Remember, true motivation comes from within.

By nurturing this internal drive, we can create a world where learning and work are their own rewards.

And that's a world worth striving for.

🛠️ Tools & Resources

Homeschool of 1 Shop: Explore fun and engaging printables for science, history, and social studies in Homeschool of 1 Shop's well-organized digital library!

Mel Science: Turn your home into a chemistry lab with Mel Science! Get cool experiments delivered right to your doorstep every month.

Socratica - YouTube: Dive into fun and easy-to-understand videos on math, programming, and science with the smart folks at Socratica. Perfect for young learners!

Reading Eggs: Make reading fun with Reading Eggs! Interactive games and activities make learning to read an exciting adventure for your little ones.

🤓 Recommended Reads

This section includes some relevant articles/videos, people to check out, and links you might find interesting and useful.

• I came across a nature school in Bali called Empathy School. It stands out for its features like project-based learning, immersion in nature, emphasis on sustainable living practices, and a focus on working with plants and animals. What a lovely concept.
  
  

• I watched a documentary a couple of months ago. It was an insightful documentary by a teenager who was unschooled.

  
  What stood out for me was the ending where he shared his frustrations as an unschooler.
  
  He thought it would have been great if he had more direction or someone pushing him out of his comfort zone so that he wouldn't have spent time on video games and ended up feeling depressed. ​ The documentary effectively portrayed both the positives and challenges of unschooling, making it a worthwhile watch for those interested in alternative education.
  
  

• Many people defend the school system by saying, 'We turned out just fine.' But did we really?
  
  Read this essay to see if we truly 'turned out fine.'