On 6/03/09, reading teacher wrote:
> On 5/05/09, D wrote:
>
> If you give a mouse a
>> cookie...
>
>
> If you give a child a book (without a test attached), see the child
> ask for another book!
>
> The librarian has stated the effects of AR and it's point-driven
> agenda. I've experienced numerous students searching for a book in
> the library and the only selection criteria they are interested in
> is the AR level and point value. Their own reading interests or
> preferences aren't even condsiderations. That is sad. And we wonder
> why many students aren't passionate, critical readers. AR has
> transformed them into robotic, surface level readers.

I disagree. Lets see, if you win a Sport, you get a Trophy/Ring. If
you win a spelling bee you get a Trophy. In track and field you get
ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. Does your same stace still hold true
for these reward programs too? I guess I will choose to play football
over band as I get a reward if we win? Or I will enter the Spelling
Bee Contest to win a trophy? But I suppose, I don't learn anything
along the way since all I care about is the trophy.

Are you suggesting because of the "rewards that points lead to", kids
don't actually have a joy for reading? Reading is the reward! Sure,
some care about points or levels when CHOOSING a book. But along the
way they may learn a thing or two about a topic or a author/story that
they enjoy as well. The connection they make with the book is the
key, not the searching mechanics to get them there. How can AR be the
issue if kids are in the livrary looking for a AR book? They could be
at home playing video games or getting into trouble. I guess if AR
had a quiz for every book in your library that your story about AR may
be different? AR seems like a motivational tool that in the end they
can show their parents how good they did. I see nothing robotic about
that.

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