Adults go to work every day because they get paid at the end of the week. Many believe that people can be motivated to do anything if the price is right, but giving a child rewards for every good behavior or piece of work can backfire, causing her to work only for rewards she might get instead of taking pride in her performance.
Extrinsic Motivation
Rewards or extrinsic motivators include paychecks, grades, punishments, verbal praise and candy. These rewards are given to the individual when he has completed a task, followed directions or demonstrated the right amount or quality of work. These can be either part of a formal behavior plan for children or they can be given spontaneously or even accidentally, such as when a parent gives in and buys a snack for a whiny child during a shopping trip.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivators make behaviors satisfying even if they are not recognized or rewarded. These include desires such as competence, knowledge, independence or play. Consider activities you might have as a hobby, such as playing music, working on a craft or reading for pleasure. These are all intrinsically motivating. Students with intrinsic motivation will work harder and sustain their effort over time better than students motivated by an expected reward, Alfie Kohn writes in "Punished by Rewards."
Effectiveness of Rewards
Rewards can increase a behavior in the short run, but in the long run they cause children to rely on the reward instead of on other motives for doing what is expected. Rewarding a child for completing her homework will cause a child to turn more homework in while she is rewarded, but if the next teacher does not give rewards for homework, the child is less likely to continue the behavior.
Increasing Self-Motivation
To increase a child's level of self-motivation, give him access to activities that will be a bit challenging, without being too frustrating. He also needs plenty of time to practice a skill or solve a problem. These opportunities will give the child a chance to feel successful and proud of his work. Instead of praising children or rewarding them for their work on a task, ask their opinion about their performance and encourage them to reflect on what they have accomplished. Children who learn to take pride in their hard work are more likely to keep working when there is nobody offering a tangible reward.
