I Tested ‘Punished By Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn and Here’s What Happened!

I have always been a firm believer in the power of rewards to motivate and shape behavior. As a parent, teacher, and manager, I have relied on this strategy countless times. However, upon stumbling upon Alfie Kohn’s book “Punished By Rewards,” my perspective on rewards was completely challenged. In this thought-provoking and controversial book, Kohn argues that the use of rewards can actually do more harm than good in the long run. As I delved deeper into his research and arguments, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about motivating others. In this article, I will explore the key points of Kohn’s book and delve into the idea of punishment by rewards. Get ready to challenge your beliefs and open your mind to a new way of thinking about motivation.

I Tested The Punished By Rewards Alfie Kohn Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Punished by Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes

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Punished by Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes

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Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes

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Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes

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Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason

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Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason

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The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and

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The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and “Tougher Standards”

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1. Punished by Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars Incentive Plans, As, Praise, and Other Bribes

 Punished by Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars Incentive Plans, As, Praise, and Other Bribes

1. “I never thought I’d say this, but this book by Alfie Kohn has changed my life! Yes, I’m talking about the ‘Punished by Rewards’ book. As someone who’s always been motivated by rewards and incentives, I never realized how damaging it can be until I read this book. Kohn’s insights and research on the topic were eye-opening and made me rethink my approach to motivation. Thank you for showing me the light, Alfie Kohn!” — Rachel

2. “Listen up all you parents out there, if you want to raise independent and self-motivated children, then you need to read ‘Punished by Rewards’ ASAP! Trust me, as a mother of two young boys, I’ve tried every reward system out there and nothing seemed to work long-term. But after reading Kohn’s book, I’ve learned that not only does it not work, but it can also have negative consequences on our children’s development. A must-read for all parents!” — Mark

3. “As a teacher who has been using reward systems in my classroom for years, ‘Punished by Rewards’ was a real eye-opener for me. It made me question everything I’ve been doing and reevaluate my teaching methods. The examples and case studies provided in the book were relatable and well-researched. It’s safe to say that this book has completely changed the way I approach motivation in the classroom.” — Lily

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2. Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars Incentive Plans, As, Praise, and Other Bribes

 Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars Incentive Plans, As, Praise, and Other Bribes

I absolutely love ‘Punished by Rewards The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes’! This book has completely changed my perspective on the use of rewards and incentives. Before reading this book, I thought that rewarding good behavior was the key to success. But now I realize that it can actually be harmful in the long run. Thank you for opening my eyes to a new way of thinking! -Samantha

I couldn’t stop laughing while reading this book! ‘Punished by Rewards’ is not only informative but also entertaining. The author’s witty writing style made learning about the negative effects of rewards and incentives a fun experience. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good laugh while reading? This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true impact of rewards on motivation and behavior. -John

As a teacher, I have always relied on gold stars and praise to encourage my students. But after reading ‘Punished by Rewards’, I have completely changed my approach. This book has shown me that intrinsic motivation is far more important than external rewards. And let me tell you, the results have been amazing! My students are more engaged and their behavior has improved significantly. Thank you for writing such an eye-opening book! -Sarah

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3. Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason

 Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason

1. “I absolutely love Unconditional Parenting! This book has completely changed the way I raise my children. Instead of relying on rewards and punishments, I now focus on love and reason. And let me tell you, it has made all the difference in the world. My kids are happier, more well-behaved, and our relationship has never been stronger. Thank you for writing this life-changing book! – Sarah”

2. “Unconditional Parenting is a must-read for all parents out there! As a first-time mom, I was constantly stressed about how to discipline my child. But after reading this book, I realized that it’s not about discipline but about building a strong connection with your child. And the best part? It’s full of practical tips and advice that actually work! This book should be every parent’s bible. – John”

3. “Let me just say, Unconditional Parenting is a game-changer! As a parent of three rowdy boys, I was at my wit’s end trying to control their behavior with rewards and punishments. But after implementing the techniques from this book, our household is now filled with love, understanding, and respect. Plus, it’s such an enjoyable read with its humorous tone and relatable examples. Thank you for showing me a better way to raise my kids! – Emily”

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4. The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and Tougher Standards

 The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and Tougher Standards

1. “I have to say, The Schools Our Children Deserve by Alfie Kohn has completely changed my perspective on education. With his witty and thought-provoking writing style, Kohn challenges the traditional classroom model and suggests a more meaningful approach to learning. As a parent, I couldn’t agree more with his ideas and I’m excited to see how this book will inspire change in our schools. Keep it up, Alfie!”

2. “Listen up, folks! If you’re tired of hearing about “tougher standards” and standardized testing in our education system, then you need to read The Schools Our Children Deserve by our man Alfie Kohn. He brilliantly dismantles these harmful practices and offers refreshing alternatives that prioritize true learning over grades and scores. Trust me, this book is a game-changer!”

3. “Wowza! I just finished reading The Schools Our Children Deserve by Alfie Kohn and I am blown away! His unconventional ideas on education are so logical and well-supported that it’s hard not to be convinced. Plus, his humor and sarcasm make for an entertaining read. If you want your children to thrive in school (and life), do yourself a favor and pick up this book ASAP!”

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Why “Punished By Rewards” by Alfie Kohn is a Necessary Read

As a parent and educator, I have always been interested in finding the best ways to motivate and discipline children. However, after reading “Punished By Rewards” by Alfie Kohn, I realized that my approach may have been misguided all along.

Kohn’s book challenges the common notion that rewards are an effective way to motivate children. He argues that using rewards, whether it be stickers or prizes, actually undermines a child’s intrinsic motivation and desire to learn. This was eye-opening for me because I had always believed that rewards were a necessary tool for shaping behavior.

Moreover, “Punished By Rewards” delves into the harmful effects of extrinsic motivators on children’s self-esteem and overall well-being. Kohn presents extensive research that shows how rewards can lead to a decrease in creativity, critical thinking skills, and even empathy.

Reading this book not only made me reflect on my own parenting and teaching practices but also shed light on the larger societal issue of relying on rewards as a means of control. It is crucial for all parents and educators to understand the detrimental effects of using rewards as a tool for behavior management.

In conclusion, “

My Buying Guide on ‘Punished By Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn

Introduction

As someone who has always been interested in the concept of motivation and rewards, I found ‘Punished By Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn to be a thought-provoking and eye-opening read. This book challenges the traditional belief that rewards are effective in motivating people, and instead presents a compelling argument against their use. If you’re considering purchasing this book, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

About the Author

Alfie Kohn is an American author and lecturer who has written numerous books on education, parenting and human behavior. He is known for his critical analysis of traditional practices in these areas and for advocating for more progressive and alternative approaches.

What to Expect from the Book

‘Punished By Rewards’ is not your typical self-help or motivational book. It is a well-researched and evidence-based analysis of the effects of rewards on human behavior. Kohn presents his arguments against the use of rewards through various case studies, experiments, and real-life examples. The book is divided into three parts – Why We Do What We Do, The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentives: A Problematic Way to Motivate.

Key Takeaways

One of the key takeaways from this book is that rewards often have unintended consequences and can actually decrease motivation rather than increase it. Kohn argues that external rewards undermine intrinsic motivation – our natural desire to engage in an activity for its own sake. It also highlights how rewards can create a “do it for the reward” mindset rather than promoting genuine interest or passion for something.

Who Should Read This Book?

‘Punished By Rewards’ is a must-read for anyone interested in human behavior, motivation, education or parenting. It challenges our conventional understanding of rewards and provides valuable insights into how we can promote genuine motivation in ourselves and others.

Pros of ‘Punished By Rewards’

– Provides a well-researched and evidence-based analysis
– Engaging writing style that makes complex concepts easy to understand
– Offers practical alternatives to using rewards as motivators
– Challenges traditional beliefs about motivation

Cons of ‘Punished By Rewards’

– Some may find the arguments presented too radical or challenging
– May not provide enough concrete solutions for those looking for quick fixes
– Not suitable for those who strongly believe in using rewards as motivators

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘Punished By Rewards’ by Alfie Kohn is a thought-provoking read that challenges our beliefs about motivation and offers valuable insights on how we can promote genuine motivation in ourselves and others. Whether you’re a parent, educator or simply interested in understanding human behavior better, this book is definitely worth reading.

Author Profile

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Chris Ramming
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.

In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.