If your looking for a little inspiration to start your weekend and a little taste of what my book relentless may include then check out my TEDx Talk that went live this week: TEDxChristchurch https://t.co/VZoSOxG4rO via @YouTube
Me too! What an impact he made worldwide! And it all started to honor his mom! I’m going to add some new books to the few that I know about near me!
#sunchat#Read4Fun
When we started our school 20 years ago, we based our philosophy on "Punished by Rewards" by @alfiekohn We wanted to motivate Ss internally rather than externally. I think this is the single most important decision we made. It's had such a positive effect on learning
#sunchat
Today's #sunchat topic (rewarding vs. motivating) is interesting. Have you read "Drive" by Daniel Pink? This would be a great book study for this topic! https://t.co/7TArLuYfQf
Q for the group: What motivates you? Would you do something with no motivation? Would you work for no paycheck? Would you like your job if nobody ever said, "Good job"? #sunchat
GM #sunchat peeps. Took a little longer to get up this morning :). High School Math T from Oklahoma. Still amazed at being chosen to share my practice in @BIEpbl new book: Project Based Teaching Practices by ASCD
My Econ class uses an economy system where I reward students for behaviors I like/want. They use the money to buy stuff in auctions. S/O to @YE_National for helping support that in my classroom! #sunchat
I have no idea where to begin with today's topic! There is definitely a difference, but I can't put it into words. Looking forward to seeing a definition emerge for both! #sunchat
Q for the group: What motivates you? Would you do something with no motivation? Would you work for no paycheck? Would you like your job if nobody ever said, "Good job"? #sunchat
What a connection to family engagement. "We stopped asking our parents to pay for things and be in charge of things and to participate." #sunchathttps://t.co/aHLT1nPfg4
If your looking for a little inspiration to start your weekend and a little taste of what my book relentless may include then check out my TEDx Talk that went live this week: TEDxChristchurch https://t.co/VZoSOxG4rO via @YouTube
When we started our school 20 years ago, we based our philosophy on "Punished by Rewards" by @alfiekohn We wanted to motivate Ss internally rather than externally. I think this is the single most important decision we made. It's had such a positive effect on learning
#sunchat
Morning, #sunchat. I'm Brian. I teach MS students English in CO. My 1st broad-strokes take on today's questions: Rewards feel extrinsic while motivation tilts towards intrinsic. Both can feed learning momentum in different ratios for different learners in different circumstances.
I agree - most of the time, I find my work intrinsically motivating, but I don't think I would do it for free - at least not for very long :-)! So what does that say about motivation/rewards? #sunchat
You had me at the first question. The rest made me pause. Teaching motivates me most of the time. Just love helping teens grow. Don’t think I would do anything for no money. I like to eat LOL #sunchat
#sunchat A1: No, Students are motivate becasue they know what they will get out of it. Im motivated to do my best bc the reward of feeling acomplished @ the end is GREAT, I live for that moment/feeling.
I don’t think they are always the same thing. You can reward someone but that may not have been motivating for them. I think motivation is mostly driven by your own desire where rewarding is driven by someone else. Sometimes they could be a match #sunchat
Imagine the faculty lounge had a clip chart that moved you up/down based on behavior or performance…if that feels wrong for adults then it should feel wrong for kids too #sunchat
And that reassurance of my good work is a reward for me and motivates me to keep going if I don’t get it. For me, the two things are often intertwined #sunchat
This is where it gets so tricky for me - it's about a student's perception. Grades might be the "carrot" for some Ss, the primary reason they do what they do, but for others they may just be affirmation that they are on the right track. What does that mean for us as Ts? #sunchat
Internal motivation & GRIT is crucial to teach our young humans. Instead of “rewards” we celebrate goals achieved. Our Kindergartens have 6 goals that they work towards & they track their own growth. Talk about empowerment! #sunchat
Q for the group: What motivates you? Would you do something with no motivation? Would you work for no paycheck? Would you like your job if nobody ever said, "Good job"? #sunchat
I take a great sense of pride in my work. This was instilled in me by my mom. When I was little, I would always ask her if she thought my work was good, and her response was always, "Are YOU impressed with you did? If you're impressed, everyone else will be, too." #sunchat
I don’t think they are always the same thing. You can reward someone but that may not have been motivating for them. I think motivation is mostly driven by your own desire where rewarding is driven by someone else. Sometimes they could be a match #sunchat
The definition of reward is: a thing given in recognition of one's service, effort, or achievement. Do we often motivate others by using rewards? Yeah. Should we? Is there a better way? #sunchat
I think it includes so many things - when Ss have voice & choice, when they are excited by their projects/learning & when they can self-assess & feel truly proud of their work rather than depending on a gold star from the teacher. #sunchat
Like most I appreciate a paycheck. But I’ve really noticed how much a kind word, handshake means...and how much the absence of them frustrates me. #sunchat
I wouldn’t put a paycheck in the category of rewards. I think a reward is given above and beyond the basics. Paycheck is basic. I think motivation is inner driven and seen by the difference in what Ts do for kids. I am motivated to help Ss so it shows in my work. #sunchat
yes for sure. Sometimes though for some of my students if I reward them they do not get motivated by it if they are not engaged or if they do not like the reward. #sunchat
I have many students who are motivated by grades, many for themselves but some for their parents! The other students need some “reward” because they have not found that motivation! #sunchat
This is a hard one. I struggle with how much should I reward students especially for something they should do. What do you guys give rewards for? #sunchat
Rewards are subjective and judgmental. What I deem worthy of a reward someone else may not. How I am feeling on any given day will also influence it. It is so easy for rewards to lead to the kind of thinking- "If I do this, what will I get?" #sunchat
I used a lot of positive feedback and narration in the classroom. I also had a ticket system for extrinsic rewards. I think the former worked better on a daily basis with my high schoolers! ❤️#sunchat
Are rewards ever useful to develop or kickstart internal motivation for a time?
Example: Many people use bits of candy/sweets to help potty train...but then phase it out.
#sunchat
Following my 15 yr olds class and being in class with them since 2nd gr, I noticed the ones motivated back then are still motivated and the ones happy to get by are the same with or without rewards. #sunchat
Great question! I feel I’m driven to help kids and to learn/grow myself. I find it difficult at times to sit down and make myself do something if I’m not motivated by it. I will continue to do things beyond my check but I do need to provide for my family. #sunchat
Ohh. That is interesting. I now see the bad side to that. I have to admit I am competitive so that board would so get me going. I would try to be at the top all the time. #sunchat
Imagine the faculty lounge had a clip chart that moved you up/down based on behavior or performance…if that feels wrong for adults then it should feel wrong for kids too #sunchat
Maybe it’s because I teach older kids, but I’ve rarely given physical rewards. I’m a big believer in recognizing positive achievement, growth, decision-making, but it seems to mean more when it’s a kind word, a handshake, a hug. The key- it has to be genuine. #sunchat
Yes that is a reality for many. I think that leads back to positive relationships. Students might feel more motivated if they feel comfortable in the environment #sunchat
Most days, my answer is yes. But I can't say I am excited to be there 100% of the time! Every now and then, I have a moment where I think, "I'm glad I'm getting paid for this!" #sunchat
We have to ask our students to think more deeply about what motivation is and what moves them. I think they could give superficial answers at first if we don’t help them dig #sunchat
A1: What motivates me is knowing that I am teaching the future and have a chance to make it brighter.I would work for no paycheck if I did not need an income...Teaching is not about money it's about people. I hope to teach students that people matter more than money❤️. #sunchat
It has been very successful. We never give rewards, but at times we do celebrate learning. We may have an author's tea & bring in treats, but it's not a reward. The Ss see a clear difference & when a new T comes in & uses rewards, they'll tell me "the T is bribing us" #sunchat
Is success a motivator or a reward? I view success as something that (often) is a result of perseverance in learning. Let's seek motivation to learn. #sunchat
External rewards can be useful but there eventually needs to be an intrinsic motivation to do better, get better, and do the right thing for it to have sustainable success. Developing/exposing the intrinsic motivators will promote higher levels of success. #sunchat
And what about when kids begin to expect a reward for doing something that should be done anyway? Have we then taken the reward system too far? Are we setting a bad precedent by rewarding? #sunchat
And I think that’s okay to realize that! I feel like as educators, we aren’t allowed like the rest of the world to admit that some days we just don’t have “it” or we “can’t even”. #sunchat
I agree. However, if someone tells me I ran a good PD session, I don't see it as a "reward". I see it as feedback. The two seem different to me. #sunchat
And, unfortunately, it seems like the reason so many kids respond to a simple kind word is that they don’t hear them enough elsewhere. Sometimes we are the only “parent” our Ss see; we have to make sure the love we show is legit. #sunchat
And, as adults, I believe we understand the difference between being paid for service, and motivation to do a good job. Not sure kids are mature enough to figure that out, nor care. How do we change that? #sunchat@TheKevinMCline
Like most I appreciate a paycheck. But I’ve really noticed how much a kind word, handshake means...and how much the absence of them frustrates me. #sunchat
I teach young kids and we don't do rewards. We celebrate growth and effort and work on creating a culture of responsibility and respect. I didn't start out teaching that way- but noticed early on that rewards could have unintended consequences #sunchat
One thing I recall about extrinsic rewards & learning: When they happen spontaneously, unexpectedly, they can provide motivating sparks; when there's automatic, predictable cause/effect quality to them (ahem: grades), then they typically supersede intrinsic drive. #sunchat
It's great to talk to Ss about what their academics could lead (ie. degrees, skills, opportunities, etc.), but I've found in my classes that Ss are most motivated when the class is infused w/ joy, camaraderie, & growth mindset. #sunchat
Q1: I’m motivated by 2 things: being my best & accomplishing things. I’m a list kind of person. I try to convince my Ss to do their best and not worry about if ‘their answer’ is wrong. Accomplish now, then fix. #sunchat
I think reward and praise are very similar of each other then motivation. Here is an article Kent State uses in the first semester first week of classes on rewards/praise
#sunchathttps://t.co/QQhMc48V4A
yes me too! We give pride slips for positive behavior and that is about it. They are drawn at the end of the week for prizes. Some kids are motivated by it and others aren't. Most of our students are just showing positive behavior because they know it is the right to do #sunchat
What are things that can motivate people?
-Tangibles
-Attention (positive or negative!) from adults or peers
-Desire to escape from a situation (I'll finish this just so that she will get off my back!)
Please add to the list! #sunchat
I didn't have an interest in grades in school. We went out in the community and helped people.Students need to be given real world problem to have a real impact. When people know they can change the world they care... Because it's not about them it's about others. #sunchat
For tangible rewards like treats or whatever, I have seen that before. That is an honest conversation I’ve had to have with classes before. No you can’t get candy for behaving everyday..that’s what you’re supposed to do! #sunchat
What are things that can motivate people?
-Tangibles
-Attention (positive or negative!) from adults or peers
-Desire to escape from a situation (I'll finish this just so that she will get off my back!)
Please add to the list! #sunchat
A1. I think people are motivated by the things @DanielPink talked about in his book Drive: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. When folks are confident and competent and feel they are making a difference then motivation increases. #sunchat
I agree. However, if someone tells me I ran a good PD session, I don't see it as a "reward". I see it as feedback. The two seem different to me. #sunchat
I feel that it is part of our job to help Ss get in touch with the feeling they get from positive words and recognition...something may never get at home. It doesn't need to be a tangible reward. #sunchat
When I was a 1st grade T I had ”Tiltons Store” where I chose Ss to go when they were following directions, rules, etc. I used it more at the beg of year for classroom management. #sunchat I slowly reduced use of it throughout the year but still used it sporadically to reward.
#sunchat exactly, we allow Ts to have a PLP to reflect for growth, kids need the same. This is personal, not public. This is internal, not external. Self-reflection is essential as a life skill.
That is a movement some schools have gone to. That’s a total shift in mindset that would take time to become natural but it’s an interesting concept! #sunchat
Positive feedback always means a great deal and it's extremely motivating. But I don't consider it a "reward". I see it as a way to boost internal motivation, whereas rewards are externally motivating. #sunchat
So true. It is one of the reasons why it is one of my favorite chats. I like being honest. Pple who only present the best side of themselves scare me. I have issues and don’t mind sharing that i am working on it. Going to church soon to get some more help #sunchat
Just wanted to add- today’s great topic was suggested to us by one of the great Ts in the chat! If you have an idea for a chat topic, reach out to myself, @susankotch@or @tiffanytruitt! #sunchat
Excellent that they recognize the difference! I give a lollipop "prize" for students who complete a BINGO board as they read books. Not to motivate, but to celebrate. As a class, we recognize the accomplishment. Wow, fine line between all of these. #sunchat
So can students earn something as well? Grades? Treats or other tangibles?
(I'm just trying to poke the beast a little bit this morning - it's so easy to think all rewards are bad, but I think that it is not that simple!)
#sunchat
I love how you flipped that! I think we can use that logic in many aspects as educators. Human beings deserve dignity, no real learning stems from shame. #sunchat
Yes, but I think it boosts internal motivation rather than external. If you work to get better I think it's different than working for a pizza #sunchat
A1. I believe authentic motivation can be very personal. The better we know those we serve the more likely we are to be able to tap into what motivates them. #sunchat
Meta comment: This sounds like chat equivalent of, "Good job!" Plus, motivating invitation for any of us to make positive #sunchat differences going forward.
Just wanted to add- today’s great topic was suggested to us by one of the great Ts in the chat! If you have an idea for a chat topic, reach out to myself, @susankotch@or @tiffanytruitt! #sunchat
I hear you, and in my experience "good job" feeling lingers longer than "good pizza" feeling. Though both can be nice for however long they last :) #sunchat
I started a lunch bunch with my Ss where we paint rocks, & plan to share them with our guidance counselors in an effort to make others feel better. The lesson here is that these "rock stars" are getting that "good" feeling on the inside of what it's like to give back! #Sunchat
Yes, I agree it's a fine line. I think a lot of it is in our mindset & the way we present things. Saying "if you finish this, you'll get a lollipop" is dangling a carrot. Saying, "wow, we did a great job. Let's celebrate with lollipops." is quite a different mindset #sunchat
I have one class period where a majority of the class fights to be called on even though they know I will call on different people. They also love me saying how wonderful they are. Its like affirmation is all their love language #sunchat
Yes! Let's celebrate our reading accomplishments with a poetry picnic or invite to friends to join us for a read aloud. Something related to the joy of the learning. I used to give prizes to Ss how read x # of books at home- how unfair to those w/ no support at home #sunchat
This is a picture of Ss giving a computer that they got donated to a DSS worker. They knew this woman could not get a computer and so they fixed it. She cried in front of them.The reward of the thanks was enough. It's people that my students work for not tangible rewards.#sunchat
Grades are always in an earn spot for me rather than reward. Meaning I don’t do bonus points because that is not earning the grade. However, I struggle with when I give out candy or Hero points. I believe they should be rewarded but for what and how much???? Help #sunchat
I really can't recommend @alfiekohn 's work enough for explaining this. I do know that Ss who are new to our school are always surprised at how hard Ss will work on their own & seem to love learning. I think this is a direct reflection of strong internal motivation #sunchat
One person's lollipop is another person's carrot, and one person's carrot may not be motivating at all to someone else. Love this deceptively simple example of how context & our words matter. #sunchat
Yes, I agree it's a fine line. I think a lot of it is in our mindset & the way we present things. Saying "if you finish this, you'll get a lollipop" is dangling a carrot. Saying, "wow, we did a great job. Let's celebrate with lollipops." is quite a different mindset #sunchat
I've seen some excellent educators use snapping and/or jazz hands when Ss take intellectual risks. In some of the best classes I've been blessed to observe, many Ts have also incorporated classroom mantras. #sunchat
A2: I do not feel that it is the same at all grade levels. It depends on the child and what they need. What motivates one may not motivate the next. #sunchat
And research has shown that those kinds of reading initiatives actually lower the love of reading. "If you have to pay me to read, it must not be a fun thing to do on my own." #sunchat
We are facing a group of HS Ss who show no evidence of intrinsic motivation #sunchat. They see little reason for an education. What will motivate these students?
I also love his work. I heard him speak when I was studying to be a teacher. It was powerful to hear when I was also at the same time a student earning grades #sunchat
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @Ms_A_Yeh, @thnorfar, @alfiekohn
Are your students plagued with challenges at home? I have noticed for some of my Ss who are, they have a hard time being motivated by learning alone. Any suggestions? #sunchat
I think when a prize is dangled in advance as a reason to do the work, it's externally motivating. If once in a while we dance because we're celebrating, that's different (in my philosophy) #sunchat
Yes- "How distasteful is this task that I must be rewarded for it?" - I think that about everything- sweeping our class floors, listening attentively, being a kind friend- all things we do because we care about others and take pride in where we work #sunchat
And we have to remember WHO we are motivating. Kids have different drivers than we do as adults. We need to think on their level. What is important to them? OR, do we need to condition them to a higher form of motivation? Yes, this is complicated! #sunchat
My take-away from #sunchat this morning: I haven't explicitly asked my students what motivates them, how they'd prefer to be recognized or celebrated. I probably should.
You have to empower students and let them know they can make a difference. So often kids get told "they're just kids" I give my Ss real-world problems and they know I trust them to try to solve them. Let kids know they can be heroes.❤️#sunchat
In reply to
@MissWinegar, @carlameyrink, @Ms_A_Yeh, @thnorfar, @alfiekohn
We have an "I can s-t-r-e-t-c-h my brain' board which displays photos taken in the moment of Ss trying difficult things/persevering. Everyone can make it up there and see themselves represented #sunchat
Real world realities are a place to start I guess. Have a low GPA? What careers are you now making available to you? #sunchat although there is no one right answer to your question
Working for the joy of knowing you did your best, is strong motivation. But everytime we undermine that with a "prize" for a job well done, we send the message that your own joy is not enough. "How do you feel about your work?" is a great starting point. #sunchat
In reply to
@MissWinegar, @Ms_A_Yeh, @thnorfar, @alfiekohn
I would actually start with doing most of the work in class (not at home) & then give very precise, meaningful feedback to help them see that they're capable. #sunchat
In reply to
@valerietilton, @thnorfar, @Ms_A_Yeh, @alfiekohn
#sunchat making practices public for collective growth is important. We should take care not confuse this with making evaluations of behavior or performance public.
Q3: No. Nothing should be rewarded. But because you have given rewards the child isn’t going to do what is asked without one. So yes, expected outcomes will need to be rewards Bc that’s what they know unfortunately. #sunchat
I think the relationships I forged with my HS Ss helped me motivate them intrinsically. Having a trusting relationship #sunchat was what many needed to keep going. I used to say to Jrs and Srs “You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now!”
But how does this motivate the Ss who don't get good grades? How can we motivate them to keep trying? I think grades are a double edged sword. Some Ss won't take risks for fear of losing their A+ grades. #sunchat
We went gradeless at elem level two yrs ago - it’s been tough to convince some t’s and families but totally worth the mindset shift #sunchat#kidsdeserveit
In reply to
@MissWinegar, @Ms_Jackson_20, @susankotch
I take a great sense of pride in my work. This was instilled in me by my mom. When I was little, I would always ask her if she thought my work was good, and her response was always, "Are YOU impressed with you did? If you're impressed, everyone else will be, too." #sunchat
I am so interested in this. Anyone else move to SBG and seeing a difference here? #sunchat We are doing this for our T with an inst. framework. Wonder if we'll see the same shift.
In reply to
@Lisa42Slp, @carlameyrink, @MissWinegar
My students are motivated when, as one told me, “we have a common goal.” And he’s right: the most effective learning experiences have been when we’ve been explicit about a shared goal, but it’s amplified when that goal affects others. #sunchat
we use the same system with the Ts. It is hard to get families and Ts to buy into it since it is such a mindshift. Most colleges still require the GPA so it will take time for everyone to get on board I believe. #sunchat
In reply to
@mandieraeb, @carlameyrink, @MissWinegar
I would definitely agree with this. The teachers I’ve seen who forged a connection with us had a lot better student engagement than the ones who didn’t. #sunchat#edtechksu
A1: I like to think of motivating as what I do to get students on board with our Social Contract, the expectations students come up with at the beginning of the year and sign. Motivation gets students to meet the goals they set for themselves. #sunchat
A2: As an 8th grade teacher, I think I can say this varies, but there should be some common threads - rewards and motivation should be genuine, consistent, communicated, and based not just on teacher's goals for students, but students' goals for themselves. #sunchat
A4: Rewards - I send postcards home, I celebrate student work on my #MST3K work wall, I give up Homework passes or let students choose the music or their seat. #sunchat
A4: Rewards - Team wide, we have an awards ceremony every grading period, giving out awards (candy, pencils, certificates, ear buds, pizza w/ teachers) for honor roll, conduct/effort grades, no missing HW, character traits, stand out students in each subject. #sunchat
A4: Motivation has to be genuine and tangible, focusing on one specific thing the student could improve on, or else he/she will be overwhelmed. Building relationships, setting goals, incorporating that student's interest or skill, giving choices, and above all engaging. #sunchat
A4: I've done everything from pranked teachers, rapped my own songs, brought in food, etc to get students to reach a certain level of focus, work, effort...It's all about thinking outside of the box, just like instruction. #sunchathttps://t.co/RsdCes7kwf
Yes, the system makes it tough. With self-evaluation, Ss still get grades (GPA? check!) but the grades are more meaningful & they begin to see that they're actually in control of their grades, rather than something being done to them. #sunchat
Students, like us, need to see results, Reflection, but a shared physical creation is irrefutable. You learned, then created, and can see your creativity benefiting your world. Starting tomorrow: words will culminate in an outside learning space for kids half their age. #sunchat
I haven't participated in #sunchat before - here are my stream of consciousness thoughts in a thread. Excited to read through now and see what else was shared.
Exactly and anxiety is at an all time high for our youth. We must take great care in what we choose to make public.. what we make public should inspire and ignite learning for kids, not incite shame and anxiety. #sunchat
Once students see the intrinsic rewards in a physical creation, they can’t help but ask, “what’s next?” It’s a cycle for increased motivation. #sunchat
Exactly and anxiety is at an all time high for our youth. We must take great care in what we choose to make public.. what we make public should inspire and ignite learning for kids, not incite shame and anxiety. #sunchat
