05/22/98

Learning for Learning's Sake

SNET readers gave considerable thought to the topic of behavior modification and the use of rewards to shape behavior, as described in last week's feature article Behavior Modification (5/18/98). Recognition is a critical component in teaching and learning, they said, but intangible rewards are preferable to tangible ones, especially in the long run. Parents don't want their children to work for candy and gum; they want them to work for knowledge, pride of accomplishment, self-improvement and future success. Readers also wrote about some of the potential drawbacks of reward systems. Representative samples of reader comments about rewards for learning/compliance follow:

• As a recovering bulimic I think that offering candy as a reward is a frightening practice. Yes, candy rots teeth and can lead to weight problems in adulthood, but the larger issue is that children who are rewarded with food items may learn to "reward" themselves the same way during times of stress or upset. When a child is struggling with self-esteem issues, s/he may try to feel better inside by eating, just like s/he did when a mother or teacher gave a candy reward. Behavior modification is great, but let's focus on something less problematic for the "reward." -- Don't Reward with Candy

• As a Pediatrician, I wish that all parents could read what you have suggested. Too often good behavior is taken for granted. -- Recognize Good Behavior

• I hate the idea of rewarding for behavior. My son's school rewards and it usually leads to bad feelings. A child's job is to do expected homework and behave in an appropriate and respectful manner. I certainly do not reward my children for doing homework or being respectful to peers and teachers. That is their job just as mine is to see that they are properly cared for. The only reward I get is seeing my kids grow into happy, well-rounded adults. I just saw my oldest graduate from college last weekend. That is all the reward I need. -- Success is Reward Enough

• I don't think it's right for teachers to bribe children with candy. I'm in the 6th grade, and I think my reward is receiving an education. Without that you can't get anywhere in life. We are in school to learn. -- Education is My Reward

• I work in a preschool. The treats we give the children are mainly stickers. The children are weaned off this reward. We have a fun day once a month instead, such as a messy, outside, sports, play or movie day. By having special days like these the children forget about the stickers. -- Reward with Special Activities

• In order for behavior modification to work, all parties have to buy into it. What soured me against behavior plans is the fact that many times the parents are not on the same page as the school. They agree with the principle of the program, but there is no follow through at home. Or they go overboard and reward (or punish) so often that the effect is lost. Children need to learn that there comes a time in life when you do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. In the long run we have to be inwardly happy with the good jobs we do and not expect something at the end of the rainbow. -- Rewards Can Be Overdone

• I'm a 14-year-old high school freshman. I want to share my first candy reward experience with you. I was in kindergarten and the teacher told everyone that after we were done playing we were to put our toys away and return to our play places, NOT back to our tables. I, like most everyone else, forgot and went back to my table. Only one boy remained. The teacher rewarded him with a red lollipop and I loved red lollipops. To this day, I still hold a grudge against that kid. I have decided that the teacher wasn't being fair and that maybe giving candy to young kids as a reward isn't very fair either. But, hey, now I always listen to the teacher, as if I'm trying to get a lollipop. And I know that if I had been that kid, I would have felt terrific. -- The Reward That Stuck!

• Handing out candy or other material rewards not only undermines parental authority, but also teaches kids that it's OK to accept candy and gifts from people whom they don't know very well. Also, what about the kids who have dietary restriction that won't allow them to consume sugars or other junk foods? When I was in school the only rewards we received were gold stars on perfect homework or test papers and certificates at the end of the school year. -- Rewards Can Undermine Parental Authority

• Where my children go to school, they are not allowed to bring candy into the building. I agree with that policy 100%. In the days of the Roman Empire, sugar was given to the soldiers to keep them awake at night to do battle. This and much more can be learned about the effects of sugar in a book called "The Sugar Blues." -- Sugar Can Have Unwanted Effects

• Tangible rewards can be extremely useful for getting compliance at an early age, especially for children with behavior control problems. Between special preschool and regular school, I requested that candy and small toy rewards be phased out, which they were.

  In elementary school the teacher gives each child a paper bear if they exhibit appropriate behavior all day. After the child has accumulated 25 of them, they receive a small toy bear to take home. It takes months for this to happen, but I think the rewards that take a long time to get are the best. This teaches children some measure of patience and builds their ability to work for a long-term goal, something lacking in many people in society today. -- Reward Long Range Progress

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.