Module 15 Post 2

I certainly believe that Terry's form of extrinsic motivation is effective (people will not want to make the same mistake again, risking pain!). However, I don't think that instilling fear in people is an effective form of extrinsic motivation. Threatening or instilling a fear of punishment (especially in employees or students) does not create an environment that anyone would want to be a part of. I think that in my classroom, I will use some forms of extrinsic motivation, although I am now wondering if I'll use it in the correct way! I remember in my fourth grade class, we were rewarded 2 stickers for getting an A on an assignment, and 1 sticker for getting a B. When we brought back our Friday Folder's on Monday morning (signed by our parents), then we were given stickers to add to our sticker sheet. At the end of the month, we would have the opportunity to pick items from a prize box. Students were motivated to preform well on tasks in order to receive stickers (although I know that it became a sort of competition between the students to have the most stickers). Perhaps if (as a whole) the class preformed well on an assignment or project or test (whatever it may be), then I will reward the class in some way. I know that French will probably not be a core subject for the students and I don't want the course to come off as just an easy class where you receive lots of prizes! Extrinsic motivation is effective because it does encourage students to set goals and attempt to accomplish the goals. However, I wouldn't want my students to stop working hard in the course if they know that they will not be rewarded some way for their work. I know that rewards can be effective and I am sure that I will use them in my classroom; however, I don't know exactly how I will do so at this point in time. I believe I need to learn more about how to effectively use rewards and extrinsic motivations!