Education without External Incentives

Studies show that giving rewards (stars, grades, ice cream, even praise) to encourage learning actually decreases internal motivation to learn, especially when the lesson is inherently interesting, creative, or involves problem solving. Motivating students (for any kind of education) by teaching experientially while setting up the lesson to spark personal interest will result in greater participation, deeper understanding, and greater ability to remember and integrate knowledge in future situations.

For more literature on experiential education:

Kohn, A. (1993). Punished by Rewards: The trouble with gold stars, incentive plans, A’s, praise, and other bribes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Dewey, J. (1998). Experience and education: the 60th anniversary edition. West Lafayette, Indiana: Kappa Delta Pi.