8. Does the teacher use a token economy? If so, cite specific examples and make reference to the class text. Is this technique effective in encouraging or eliminating behaviors? How does this system affect the students' motivation? Explain.
I try not to use any token economies in my class. I work for a Montessori school and artificial rewards like class parties, treats, or coupons that allow extra allowances are discouraged. The school policy is that students should do good work for internal, rather than external rewards. I can see how it would be helpful to give the kids something that is an immediate compensation. The trick with a token that excuses lateness or testing is that you are indicating that those things are miserable and if the kids are lucky they will get out of them. If it is for a special field trip or activity, I should do that because it adds to their learning experience, not as a reward to good behavior. Alfie Kohn has written several books that explain how external rewards actually damage student motivation because it is all dependent on teacher feedback. The kids stop thinking about the material and the concepts behind it and just care about how they can earn an “A.” With that said, I have stretched the rules and rewarded number of words written during class time with treats if the students are really struggling with motivation.
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