Introduction
What is the best way to teach somebody how to do something? Should we praise them when they do it correctly, or discipline them when they do it wrong? This is the question that our debaters will face today. Let’s see what Henry and Ashley have to say.




Constructive Debater 1 Henry
It is better to praise them when they do it correctly. Scientific studies show that praise has positive effects on people. Praise makes people feel good and proud of what they are doing. Therefore, they will continue to repeat the correct action. Giving praise is also a positive way to teach someone. If you discipline them every time they do something wrong, they may get frustrated or angry.




Constructive Debater 2 Ashley
It is better to discipline them when they do something wrong. Giving praise is easier to do. However, correcting mistakes with discipline is more effective. Let me give you an example. A teacher may give you great comments on your writing assignments. But if your teacher never tells you to correct your mistakes, then you will never improve as a writer. In the long run, it is better to discipline people for their errors.



Rebuttal Debater 1 Henry
Let me give you an example of why praise works. Pizza Hut in the United States offered free pizzas to students if they read a certain number of books. All of a sudden, reading rates increased! This shows that giving rewards and praise motivated kids to read more. Disciplining people will make them afraid to make mistakes. It is better to motivate them with praise.



Rebuttal Debater 2 Ashley
Research shows that people often perform poorly when they expect a reward. I have also read about the study on the Pizza Hut reading campaign. It is true that the reading rates increased. However, researchers also found that students were reading shorter books. They were also receiving lower reading scores. This is because the kids were reading to get free pizza rather than for the joy of reading.



Judge’s Comments
The winner of today’s debate is Ashley. Ashley had done her research on the Pizza Hut reading campaign study. That is why she was able to refute Henry’s example in her rebuttal statement. She showed that giving rewards for good behavior was actually counterproductive. Good debaters are also good researchers.

Karen Lee