discussion questions.docx - Week 1 DQ 1 Due 6/2 Using...

Week 1
DQ 1 Due 6/2
Using extrinsic rewards in the classroom is often controversial. Where do you stand in terms of
providing students with rewards for reaching behavioral or academic goals? After reviewing the
readings and any additional sources, do you plan to use extrinsic motivators in your future
classroom? If so, how?
Hello Everyone
As the topic of extrinsic rewards in the classroom seems to be controversial I want to add that
sometimes those types of rewards can be negative in the classroom as students are only doing
something for the sake of being rewarded. I would provide my students with intrinsic motivation
because I want then to get the opportunity to love what they do and want to do it because they
want to achieve long term goals and gain knowledge. I think this type of motivation will promote
their learning in a way that allows them to learn something new because they want to and know
it will benefit them in the long run as opposed to learning or succeeding at a task because they
will get money, candy, etc.
However, from our readings Rassuli (2012) states “extrinsic rewards may in effect ignite intrinsic
motivation and therefore reinforce learners’ participation and deep learning” (p.87). We all have
learned that students are different and may set goals for themselves and have their own beliefs
but not all students think this way so as educators we should stay open minded about what will
best benefit our range of students. I do plan on using extrinsic motivators but only as a way that
will get students involved and it won’t be used all the time but instead in circumstances that I
deem necessary in order to get students motivated and engaged in the classroom.
In my future classroom I think that combining intrinsic and extrinsic motivation will best help
students. For example, when giving students a task the teacher can allow students to write about
whatever topic they want and in the end the teacher can reward the students with some form
extrinsic motivation. As students are receiving tangible rewards they are also getting feedback
from the teacher and are given the chance to explore topics of their interest. Finally, Evertson &
Emmer (2013) also state that extrinsic rewards should not interfere with intrinsic motivation by
this they refer to only using extrinsic motivators when necessary to keep students involved in the
learning objective. It is in the teachers best interest to encourage students and for them to
understand the long term use of the knowledge they gain.
Evertson, C. M., & Emmer, E. T. (2013). Classroom Management for Elementary Teachers (9th
ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780132693264
Rassuli, A. (2012). Engagement in classroom learning: Creating temporal participation
incentives for extrinsically motivated students through bonus credits. Journal of Education for
Business , 87 (2), 86-93. doi:10.1080/08832323.2011.570808
DQ 2 Due 6/4

In order to encourage and promote student motivation and engagement, instructors must provide
support while academically challenging students. Discuss strategies to provide support for
academically, behaviorally, and socially diverse students. Be specific in naming strategies.