Earn an A? Here's $50!

Initially, I was more inclined to support the idea of paying students for good grades. It's a changing society and we need to reach our students. However, after reading Angela's, John's, and Ryan's Blog I wasn't sure how I felt about paying students for good grades.

Initially, I was more inclined to support the idea. Ryan makes a good argument that paying students for good grades means that this money can go towards furthering their education. I think it is a great idea that society can help hard working students financially. However, as Ryan also mentions, what if a student is working as hard as they can, but they don't make the cut off for getting paid? Is that fair? Seeing as for some students it is very easy to get an A without having to try very hard. So even though it might be a good motivation for students, there is still inequity.

John brings up the problem that once this program ends (it only lasts till the end of the student's Sophomore year) students might not be inclined to work hard anymore, since there is no money reward for their efforts. I would also like to see how the formerly-paid students are now doing in school.

Finally, Angela brings up the big problem that I at first did not really consider: paying students to do well in school is basically sending the message that society values money over learning and knowledge. Students should want to learn for the sake of learning. And it is important to note that schools are NOT like companies. As Angela says in response to a USA Today article, "Principles realize that school is not the same thing as the business world and they are highly educated in educational philosophies, so I believe their opinions are more reliable."

I think in theory, this is possibly a good idea. Teachers need to motivate and encourage their students to learn, and if this is something that will really work, then maybe it should be implemented into the school system. However, as with most things, it's great in theory, but it somehow goes awry in actual practice (which Angela, John and Ryan have addressed).

As far as how this might shape my future classroom, I'm not sure. If this actually becomes part of the school system, then I might have to face some of the problems that Angela, John and Ryan addressed. It would be hard to overcome these in my classroom - since I'm not sure how I would deal with students who are only motivated by the money aspect. I could only keep trying to reach them and try to convey that learning for learning's sake is what is really important and most beneficial to them (but as money is highly valued in society, I'm not sure they will listen). But even if money is what is motivating my students, they still have to learn the material in order to do well and get paid. If payment doesn't become part of the school system, I, as the teacher, need to figure out a way to motivate my students to work hard. Motivation is key in the classroom, and I will have to see what works with well for my students, and adjust accordingly.