"The relevant question...isn't "How motivated are my students?" It's "How are my students motivated?" In other words, it's the type of motivation that counts, not the amount. The type created by the use of rewards is not only less effective but also erodes the kind we really want to promote." - Alfie Kohn

Kevin Geary returns to discuss why the widely accepted carrots-and-sticks approach to teaching and parenting is harmful to children. The discussion centers around two articles Kevin recently wrote for his site, RevolutionaryParent.com.

1. Kids Don’t Need or Want Your Praise
2. Your Children Don’t Need “Positive Reinforcement”

We talk about the costs of this approach through the lens of Nataniel Branden's Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. We also share our experiences working in learning environments poisoned by punishments and rewards.

Bumper Music:
"Young Hearts" Commuter

Look Closer:
RevolutionaryParent.com - http://revolutionaryparent.com/
Carrots or Sticks? Alfie Kohn on
Rewards and Punishment - http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/chat/chat031.shtml
Kevin Geary on School Sucks - http://schoolsucksproject.com/tag/kevin-geary/
Podcast Series: The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem - http://schoolsucksproject.com/category/podcast/the-six-pillars-of-self-esteem/