Are Rewards Effective ?

A few months ago I was reading a book by Alfie Kohn that was about education. One of the more major topics of this book focused on the fact that many teachers have classes set up where if the children behave they receive rewards. He shared his view of how in the end rewards actually demotivate children and they have less of a desire to learn or cooperate with expectations. He referenced studies that had been done and how rewards effects children's behavior. Then there is also the comparison to bribing children to do the action you desire them to perform. He discusses the fact that children should learn how to behave without the use of reward systems.

Then a few nights ago I was watching Supernanny and I realized that everything she does is the exact opposite. Every episode she comes up with some kind of game or way of rewarding the children when they obey or do some desired act such as cleaning up, not fighting, or whatever. The only difference i can think of is that when they do disobey one of the rewards is taken away, keeping them from getting to their end goal. Discipline is also something reinforced strongly.

I am not completely sure which way is more successful. I guess it depends on the child. I am a strong believer in not every concept or idea will work with every child. Every child is different and is effected by different things in different ways. Why use a system that does not work for a certain child? You have to find what works with that child.

While looking into the topic a little more I found an article on children's motivation and emotion which backed Kohn's perception. It said, "rewards may induce a temporary negative mood state in young children that can undermine intrinsic motivation."

Anyways, random thoughts. If anyone has any thoughts or opinions let me know what you think!