Chapter 2

I agree with Jeff and Jacque when they mentioned that carrots and sticks could encourage cheating, shortcuts, and unethical behavior.  In order to be the best, students’ visions can become jaded leading to destructive behavior.  I also think they can be addictive.  The example that Jacque gave about the students seeking recognition for every good behavior can hinder the point of good behavior.   Students need to learn that those are the behaviors that are expected and there will not be a reward for acting appropriately.  I saw this at Longfellow school where they have the S.P.O.T. awards, when faculty spots good behavior a student receives a spot card and the class with the most receives a party.  Students would go up to the teachers and explain what good deed they did and expect a spot card, and when they did not receive one it made them upset.  As an educator I believe carrots and sticks can be useful.  I will make my classroom a place where my students are encouraged to take risks and understand that it is ok they don’t always have the right answer.  Students need to know why a task is important for them to complete, and it is ok to empathize with how they feel about the task.