Kohn to challenge teaching 'myths'

By SUE WUETCHER
News Services Associate Director

The presentation, titled "Punished by Rewards: Second Thoughts About A's, Praise, Stickers & Contests," is sponsored by the UB Child Care Center, Inc., in conjunction with the Association for the Education of Young Children of Western New York, the Park School and the Preschool Evaluation and Treatment Clinic in the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Children's Hospital.

A former teacher turned author and lecturer, Kohn is an outspoken critic of the use of rewards and competition in child-rearing, noting that the practices actually prove counterproductive. Studies show that children who are rewarded frequently are less generous than their peers and that emphasizing grades tends to undermine children's interest in learning, he says.

Kohn speaks widely on human behavior, education and social theory to school faculties and parent groups, and audiences at universities and corporations. He is the author of five books, the best known of which are "Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise and Other Bribes" and "No Contest: The Case Against Competition."

The cost of the workshop is $20 and can be paid at the door. Registration will be held from 7:30-8:45 a.m. For further information, call Tamar Meyer at 829-2226.