ABSTRACT
In this chapter, early and current perspectives on extrinsic goals and rewards are described. The chapter begins with a description of behavior reinforcement theories, followed by suggestions for classroom teachers for providing effective praise and distributing positive rewards in their interactions with students. Positive and negative aspects of competition also are discussed. A section on the motivational benefits of student autonomy and choice follows. Based on self-determination theory and work on autonomy-supportive teaching, suggestions are made for how teachers can use choice to provide students with desirable goals to achieve in the classroom while also giving them a sense of personal control.
