Monday, February 27, 2012

Book Review: Feel-Bad Education: And Other Contrarian Essays on Children and Schooling

Feel-Bad Education: And Other Contrarian Essays on Children and Schooling by Alfie Kohn.

Reviewed by Susie Berry

Feel-Bad Education: And Other Contrarian Essays on Children and Schooling is Alfie Kohn’s newest book; he has written eleven others. It is a collection of nineteen essays on children and schooling.

Kohn hits the controversial topics of homework, grades, and standardized tests. One of his essays discusses learning, motivation, and creating non-readers. Another essay presents data about setting up wellness programs and the financial incentives to promote these programs. He compares research with these wellness programs and the motivations used with children in our schools. He questions the use of rewards in both places.

This book will cause you to rethink your beliefs, especially ideas about the use of rewards and punishments. These nineteen essays make this a very readable book for parents, educators, and those key leaders who make so many decisions pertaining to our children.
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