Critiques Kohn's article (in the same "Educational Leadership" issue) arguing against the use of cooperative rewards. Without group rewards based on the learning of all group members, cooperative learning can degenerate into answer-sharing. The idea that such rewards (usually paper certificates) can be dispensed with is wishful thinking. Includes…

Responding to Slavin's critique of Kohn's article (in the same "Educational Leadership" issue) condemning cooperative rewards, Kohn slams Slavin's faulty research interpretations. Slavin may be correct that few non-reward-based classrooms exist in the U.S., but this hardly demonstrates that the best alternative to bribing individuals is to bribe…

Suggests ways to minimize the negative effects of extrinsic group rewards in cooperative classrooms, explains how to use intrinsic rewards, and outlines conditions calling for extrinsic rewards. The "social rewards" of working cooperatively probably enhance intrinsic motivation and are among the great advantages of employing cooperative…

Examines the assumption that interdependence is best achieved by using rewards. An impressive body of social science research has shown that rewards have limited effectiveness and can undermine interest in the task. Cooperative learning programs with appropriately balanced curricula, autonomy, and relationship elements function well without…

Robert Slavin's position--that extrinsic rewards promote student motivation and learning--may be valid within the context of a "facts-and-skills" curriculum. However, extrinsic rewards are unnecessary when schools offer engaging learning activities; programs addressing social, ethical, and cognitive development; and a supportive…

Most young people in Europe and Asia move directly into primary labor market by age 21. The do-it-yourself system confronting most U.S. non-college-bound youth has resulted in high youth unemployment, shortages of adequately prepared youth entering the job market, and increasingly uncompetitive economy drifting to low-skill, low-wage jobs.…

If the labor market rewarded learning in school, high school students would respond by studying harder, and local voters would willingly pay higher taxes to finance better local schools. Instead of using rank in class or relative measurement standards, educators should measure student competency by external absolute standards, the way Scout merit…

According to SCORE, actively engaged students are energized by four goals (success, curiosity, originality, and relationship) that satisfy certain human needs. Educators can motivate students to produce high-quality work by clearly articulating success criteria, providing constructive feedback, modeling skills, and portraying success as an…