Article+Discussion+EDT+555

I completely disagreed with the information in the [|Kohn's article]. Especially when children are your, they need to develop intrinsic motivation. Often we do this by motivated extrinsically first and then slowly taking away the reward. Children then begin to feel motivated by success, pride, and/or grades. //I agree with this... I think Kohn missed the maturity differences as well//

Education is so “all or nothing” and this article seems to fit the same bill. How is it that we can say that a teacher who gives rewards is doing a disservice to her students and then say that we must teach them how to live in a democratic society? I am sorry but life is all about rewards. If you do well in life you typically get rewarded. Sometimes we even do the job because of the reward. . .gasp! How awful of us. I am also sorry to tell you that our entire society is based on rewards and punishments, and “control through seduction.” All parents and teachers must exhibit some sort of control--no matter how minimal. Respect is often developed through control. Why is it such a bad word?

//If we look at the "record" we see this model of "everyone" working for the common good fails. Name a Government with this model that has succeeded. Look at the product produced. Companies not striving for excellence fall to the wayside. Actually, in our current global system there is MORE competition not less. As this video shows the typical American Student's life compared to one from a third world there is a stark contrast. I tell my students you will be in direct competition for work with these kids. YOUR LIFE IS HEAVEN to them... HALF your life, ONE percent is better then they can image. They will DO ANYTHING to get that dream... and you are in competition with them// =Radiohead - All I Need (Official MTV Video)= media type="youtube" key="cdrCalO5BDs" height="344" width="425"

//I have a number of students that earn everything for doing nothing. They do not understand the value of work for reward (or punishment), this formula is just as dangerous as a NO reward system.//  //This is a great eye-opener to show to students.// //Yesterday we had a technology showcase where if you did the activities with your parents you could earn a reward.// media type="custom" key="3974329" //Students who chose to work were entered into a drawing for a laptop. We had students who did NOTHING in their regular classrooms show up and help. They are not motivated by long term goals of grades, but short term gain.// media type="custom" key="3974343"

Here is [|blog by Cheryl Oakes] about her experiences at the [|Student Technology Showcase]. //This is totally amazing and awesome. How is it that your district is able to fund all the technology, training, professional development, field trips? Who needs alternative ed! It seems like you are really able to reach some of those students who have become disenchanted with the "regular" school work. //

//Actually technology is not very expensive once you are past the hardware stage (which our MLTI Laptops helps) all the online tools are free. Most of my materials are reusable - my 5th grade ScanTek modules, 7th grade lego robots, and 8th grade materials are refurbished, damaged or factory second decks. The students push the technology.. they are using it at home. A lot of what you see was implemented by 2 to 3 teachers, so it is NOT a matter of massive spending on personel. I would say that training is a matter of use. I have learned how to do this stuff by using it in my own teaching, classes I take, family and life. There is a lot of FREE training... most online applications want you to be using them so they provide FREE help. As a professional, I think it is my responsibility to learn it... since I am trying to teach my kids to be life long learners. Only in Education is it ok to do the same thing the same way for your whole career. Good thing is Web 2.0 make this irrelevant since the students can bypass the "Old School" for new ways of learning... the bad thing... they can bypass us for new ways of lea//rning. //Why take a course from a teacher that only talks about how things are done? Why not take a course from some one who has/is doing it in the field? Schools are a relic of the past... they just don't know it yet.//