Page 59 - Zenith2024

| 4) Social Issues | 59

Education is often seen as one of the most important tools for
shaping lives, but have we really thought about what kind of
students we want to raise? Without questioning the goals and
methods of education, it’s hard to say if we’re heading in the
right direction. A common method used in schools is Premack's
principle, where students are rewarded with things they like for doing tasks they don’t enjoy
as much. This might work in the short term, but it can make students rely too much on
rewards instead of developing real interest in learning. When the rewards disappear, the
behavior often does too.

This is also connected to how external rewards affect the brain’s dopamine system. Rewards
like grades or praise can gradually take away the joy of learning itself. Over time, students
may stop finding satisfaction in their own efforts and start expecting outside validation
instead. This can make it harder for them to stay curious and motivated, which is essential
for learning throughout life.

To solve this, schools need to create learning experiences that match what students already
enjoy. This way, students can feel naturally engaged. For activities that students dislike,
gradually introducing them in small steps with achievable goals can help change their
perception. It’s important to avoid overwhelming students and to help them build confidence
one step at a time.

Education shouldn’t just be about passing on information.
It should help students grow as individuals and give them
the tools to handle the challenges of the real world. By
focusing less on rewards and more on what genuinely
motivates students, we can help them take charge of
their own learning and discover their unique potential.
This might not be the easiest approach, but it’s worth it if we want education to truly make a
difference.

Hyun JoonWoo (2-7)
hjw070426@gmail.com