Rewards for Reading?I owe this example to my wife who originally worked in Grand Forks as a special reading teacher and now works with technology integration. At one point one of her responsibilities involved managing a software system that administered simple tests to evaluate student understanding of books that could be checked out from the library. Students who passed such tests could receive points that could be redeemed for prizes (e.g., coupons for fast food). There are many variations on such systems (e.g., Pizza Hut Book It). Given the great concern that many now have for the amount of time young people read, it may surprise you to learn that such incentive programs are quite controversial. Among the skeptics are reading experts. What could be wrong with rewarding young readers for reading? Here is one observation you might consider. My wife says that school librarians used to complain when the software system she was responsible for did not have quizzes for new books coming in to the library. Respond to this question on Blackboard |