Episode #13 | Rewards, Praise, and Punishment

We can’t discuss the big idea of authority without addressing rewards and punishments. Do they actually contribute to our goal of developing moral, disciplined, and curious kids? What are the temporal and spiritual effects of extrinsic motivation? And if we shouldn’t use extrinsic motivators, what is the better way to motivate children? I’ll answer these questions and more on this episode.

Quotes

“Do rewards motivate people? Absolutely. They motivate people to get rewards.” (Alfie Kohn, Punished by Rewards)

“The principles of authority on the one hand, and of obedience on the other, are natural, necessary and fundamental; but–

These principles are limited by the respect due to the personality of children, which must not be encroached upon whether by the direct use of fear or love, suggestion or influence, or by undue play upon any one natural desire.” (Charlotte Mason, Twenty Principles)

“[grades], prizes, places, rewards, punishments, praise, blame, or other inducements are not necessary to secure attention, which is voluntary, immediate and surprisingly perfect” without them. (Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education, p. 7.)