$$$ For Grade$

Blogs read:
http://rachelsedreflections.blogspot.com/
http://angeladodge.blogspot.com/
http://johnlundy.blogspot.com/

After reading the three blogs, I have mixed feelings about paying students for grades. I believe that it can motivate students to do well and school and strive for good grades, but at the same time students will study for the money rather than the for learning itself.

Rachel made a good point that money may influence students temporarily. Perhaps if they decide to cancel this plan halfway through a student's high school career, students may no longer be motivated to study hard. Also money may influence students to study hard in high school, but it may not influence them to study higher education. Rachel also made the point that this money can be used to improve resources in the school. Many of the poorer schools cannot afford the technologies that richer schools have. Many students benefit from technologies such as Smartboards and dynamic software. Technology can engage students in active learning.

Angela also pointed out that paying students for grades may result with "greedy and spoiled kids." I know my whole life I was taught that money does not make the world go round. It seems that paying kids contradicts this moral value. Also, Angela made the point that the money comes from private donations now, but it might end up coming from taxpayers. What if the taxpayers vote against this? Like I said before, students may lose interest when that incentive is gone. Also, the future taxpayers of America are the students of today. If students learn to become greedy and soiled, are they willing to pay taxes to pay students in school? It seems like the system is flawed.

John also brought up my concern about students falling back when they have no incentives. But I really like the point he made by stating that $25 might be too much. One concern I have is, how much is enough to influence students? I bet that students will not be motivated if they were only paid $1 for a C. But $25 is still a good amount of money per grade. Perhaps students will strive for a C rather than an A with the notion that he or she will still get paid as long as he or she gets a C. Money may provide slight motivation, but maybe not motivation to achieve one's fullest.

After reading an analyzing the blogs, I believe that money may not be the best way to motivate students. There seem to be a lot of flaws with this system, and it contradicts with some moral values.