#24, Bribery

How much money would it take to get you to study harder?

Each month in class, you receive approximately five grades.  An average grade for vocabulary quizzes, listening tests, and homework.  You receive a single grade for an essay and a Chapter Test.  If I were to offer ₩50,000 to students who could get each of those grades to a minimum of 90 at the end of the month, would you study harder?

The University of Chicago conducted a study to see if bribing 9th grade students would improve academic performance.  Bloom Trail High School in Chicago was designated as the test site.  Every month for the entire school year, the U of C offered a $50 bribe to students who could achieve a grade of C or higher in all their classes (world history, biology, physical education, English, art, computer).  Further, one passing student was chosen by lottery for a $500 bonus every month.

What did the study find?

Of the 700 9th grade students, the $50 bribe increased passing rates by 5-7%.  The average cost per passing student was $2,800.  $2,800 just to get one measly student's grades to a C minimum!

If this system were implemented in Korean public schools, do you think academic performance would improve?  Would an academic system of bribery be worth the cost?  How much would someone have to pay you to get straight A+'s (let's say above 95) in all your classes?  Is an educational incentive system based on bribery moral?  Defend your position.

-Teacher Lee