A Reader Writes... (Using Rewards)

In response to the post, “Using Rewards,” a reader writes:

“In my 18 years of experience in education, I have yet to witness someone not react positively to being rewarded for achieving their goals. I have seen students and teachers blossom merely from receiving a few kind words of acknowledgement for their efforts. It goes along with the idea of shaping behavior through building relationships. Someone recently introduced me to the idea of “2 by 10”…spending 2 minutes engaging in positive conversations with someone for 10 days will change one’s behavior. Try it, it works.”

SC Response
In one short paragraph, the reader hits on some key points that should be highlighted. First, people do respond positively to rewards and acknowledgement for achieving goals. However, I think that it is “achieving goals” that is the critical concept. False flattery and unearned praise does not lead to the sense of accomplishment and pride that drives significant behavior change.

Second, I like the “2 by 10” idea. This practice could easily be adapted and used by classroom teachers, counselors and administrators. The idea seems highly correlated to Marzano’s strategies of “Providing Recognition and Reinforcing Effort.” The bottom line, as the reader points out, is that shaping behavior by proactive and positive means is much more effective than using intimidation and negative feedback.

Reader, this was a great addition to the original post, thank you.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn…