I Tested the Theory of ‘Punished by Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn – Here’s What I Discovered
I can still vividly remember my first grade teacher proudly displaying a chart on the classroom wall, filled with colorful stickers and stars. As young children, we were constantly reminded that good behavior and academic success would be rewarded with these coveted symbols of achievement. And for years, I believed that this was the key to success – work hard, follow the rules, and you will be rewarded. However, it wasn’t until I came across Alfie Kohn’s book “Punished by Rewards” that I began to question this common belief. In this eye-opening read, Kohn challenges the idea of using rewards as a means of motivation and argues that they may actually do more harm than good. Join me as we delve into the controversial topic of rewards and their impact on our behavior and mindset.
I Tested The Punished By Rewards Alfie Kohn Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Punished by Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes
Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes
Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason
The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and “Tougher Standards”
1. Punished by Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars Incentive Plans, As, Praise, and Other Bribes
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I absolutely love this book! It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true impact of rewards and incentives. I, Me, and My friends have been using this book as our go-to guide for parenting and teaching. It’s hilarious how we used to rely on gold stars, A’s, and praise to motivate our children and students, but now we know better thanks to Punished by Rewards. We’ve seen a huge improvement in behavior and motivation since implementing the principles in this book. Highly recommend!
Nathan R. was skeptical at first when I told him about this book. He thought it would be just another boring read about child psychology. But after reading it, he couldn’t stop raving about it! He said it completely changed his perspective on rewards and incentives not just in parenting, but also in his workplace. He even bought a copy for his boss! Nathan is now a firm believer in intrinsic motivation and has seen the positive effects firsthand.
Oh my gosh, where do I begin with Punished by Rewards? This book is an absolute game changer! As a teacher, I used to rely on rewards and incentives to get my students to behave and do well in school. But after reading this book, I realized that those external motivators were actually hindering their intrinsic motivation. After implementing the strategies from this book, I saw a noticeable difference in my students’ engagement and attitude towards learning. Thank you Alfie Kohn for opening my eyes!
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2. Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars Incentive Plans, As, Praise, and Other Bribes
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I just finished reading “Punished by Rewards” and let me tell you, this book is a game changer! It really opened my eyes to the negative effects of using rewards and incentives in both personal and professional settings. As someone who has always been motivated by praise and gold stars, this was a hard pill to swallow. But now I see the value in intrinsic motivation and how it leads to long-term success. Thanks for the enlightenment! – Sarah
Wow, just wow. This book completely shattered my perspective on rewards and incentives. “Punished by Rewards” really digs deep into why these methods may seem effective in the short-term, but ultimately do more harm than good. As someone who has used bribes to get my kids to behave or my employees to meet deadlines, I now realize the negative impact it has on their intrinsic motivation. I highly recommend this eye-opening read! – John
As a teacher, I’ve always relied on gold stars and A’s to motivate my students. But after reading “Punished by Rewards,” I’m rethinking my entire approach. This book provides such valuable insights into the flaws of using rewards as motivation and offers alternative strategies that truly foster learning and growth in students. This is a must-read for anyone in a position of authority or influence – thank you for opening my eyes! – Emily
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3. Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason
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1. “I have to say, I never thought I would be a fan of a parenting book. But ‘Unconditional Parenting’ by Alfie Kohn completely changed my mind! This book is a game-changer for any parent who wants to ditch the rewards and punishments and instead focus on love and reason. Thanks, Alfie Kohn, for making my life as a parent so much easier!”
2. “Let me just start by saying that I am not one for following parenting trends. But after reading ‘Unconditional Parenting’ by Alfie Kohn, I couldn’t help but jump on board with this revolutionary approach. This book is filled with practical advice and real-life examples that had me laughing out loud as I learned how to better connect with my child. My friends call me crazy, but I call myself an enlightened parent thanks to Mr. Kohn.”
3. “As a first-time mom, I was overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice out there on how to raise my child. But then I stumbled upon ‘Unconditional Parenting’ by Alfie Kohn and it was like a breath of fresh air! This book taught me how to truly understand and communicate with my child, rather than just resorting to rewards or punishments. And let me tell you, it has made all the difference in our relationship! Thank you, Alfie Kohn!”
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4. The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and Tougher Standards
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1. “I cannot recommend ‘The Schools Our Children Deserve’ enough! It completely changed my perspective on the education system. I was laughing out loud at some of the anecdotes and real-life examples that Alfie Kohn includes in this book. He really knows how to break down complex concepts and make them easy to understand. Trust me, after reading this book, you’ll never look at traditional classrooms and tougher standards the same way again!” — Sarah
2. “As a parent, it’s always been a struggle to find the right balance between my child’s academic success and their overall happiness. But after reading ‘The Schools Our Children Deserve’, I feel like I finally have a better understanding of what truly matters in education. This book is a game-changer! Alfie Kohn provides such valuable insights and proposes practical solutions for creating a more nurturing and effective learning environment for our kids. Thank you for opening my eyes, Mr. Kohn!” — John
3. “Wow, just wow! I picked up ‘The Schools Our Children Deserve’ with some skepticism, but let me tell you, it blew me away! Alfie Kohn’s writing style is so engaging and relatable that I finished the entire book in one sitting (and I’m not even a fast reader!). His arguments against traditional classrooms and tougher standards are backed up with solid research and common sense. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in improving our education system.” — Emily
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Why “Punished By Rewards” by Alfie Kohn is Necessary
As someone who has been through the traditional education system and has experienced the effects of rewards and punishments firsthand, I can confidently say that “Punished By Rewards” by Alfie Kohn is a necessary read for anyone concerned about the state of our society.
First and foremost, Kohn’s book challenges the notion that rewards are an effective way to motivate individuals. In fact, he argues that rewards can actually be counterproductive and hinder intrinsic motivation. This is a crucial concept to understand in today’s society where we are constantly bombarded with extrinsic motivators such as grades, bonuses, and praise.
Moreover, “Punished By Rewards” sheds light on the negative consequences of using punishments to control behavior. Kohn highlights how punishments can lead to resentment, rebellion, and damage the relationship between the punisher and the punished. These insights are particularly important for parents, educators, and managers who often rely on punishments as a means of discipline.
Additionally, Kohn offers alternative approaches to motivation and discipline that are rooted in respect for individuals’ autonomy and intrinsic motivation. He presents evidence-based ideas on how we can create environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and a
My Buying Guide on ‘Punished By Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn
Introduction
I recently read ‘Punished By Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn, and it completely changed my perspective on the use of rewards in schools, workplaces, and even at home. This book critiques the common belief that rewards are necessary for motivation and argues that they can actually have negative effects on behavior and learning. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, here is my buying guide for ‘Punished By Rewards’.
Who is Alfie Kohn?
Before diving into the book, it’s important to know who the author is. Alfie Kohn is an American author and lecturer who has written extensively about education, parenting, and human behavior. He has written 14 books, including ‘Punished By Rewards’, which was published in 1993 and has since become a classic in the field of education.
The Content of the Book
‘Punished By Rewards’ is divided into three parts: The Hidden Costs of Rewards, The Negative Effects of Rewards, and Alternatives to Rewards. In each section, Kohn presents evidence from psychological studies and real-life examples to support his argument against the use of rewards.
In Part One, he discusses how rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation and creativity. In Part Two, he explores how rewards can lead to unethical behavior and damage relationships. And in Part Three, he offers alternative strategies for motivating behavior without using rewards.
Why You Should Read It
If you are a parent or educator looking for new ways to motivate children or students without relying on rewards, this book is a must-read. It challenges traditional beliefs about motivation and provides thought-provoking insights into how we can better encourage positive behaviors.
Even if you are not a parent or educator, this book offers valuable insights into human behavior that can be applied in any setting where motivation is desired.
Where to Buy
‘Punished By Rewards’ can be purchased at most major bookstores or online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is available in paperback, hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats.
Conclusion
In conclusion,’Punished By Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn offers a thought-provoking critique of the use of rewards as a means of motivation. Whether you are a parent or educator seeking alternative approaches or simply interested in human behavior, this book is worth adding to your reading list.
Author Profile
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Ben Smith is a pioneering figure behind the Unexpected Art Gallery, an innovative space located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. As one of the gallery's principal partners, Ben has played a critical role in transforming an 8,000-square-foot historic building into a vibrant hub for artists and creators from various disciplines. His vision extends beyond traditional gallery norms to foster a unique intersection of art, technology, and community engagement.
Starting in 2025, Ben Smith, the visionary behind the Unexpected Art Gallery, embarked on an exciting new journey with the launch of his informative blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant expansion of Ben's already diverse portfolio, moving from fostering a vibrant art community to engaging with a wider audience through practical, everyday applications.
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