Grace

Posted on 10/20/09

On 10/19/09, Tom wrote:
> Grace,
>
> I can not be too effusive in my encouragement for you to read
> the book, "Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community,"
> by Alfie Kohn. He brilliantly and clearly illuminates the low
> expectations and illogical thinking behind the use of
> punishments, rewards, praise, and coercion. He also proposes
> a much more effective approach, which is similar to the one I
> use:
>
> http://teachers.net/mentors/discipline/topic1758/8.20.09.17.49
> .07.html
>
> Bottom lines: 1) If you expect that students are incapable of
> supportive and self-disciplined behavior without your
> punishments, praise, coercion, phone calls home, or demands
> they go see the principal, you will get exactly what you
> expect. 2) Most students who misbehave and continue to act
> out do so in reaction to a teacher's low expectations of
> them ... and consequent punishments, rewards, or coercion.
>
> Such teacher behavior is inherently dehumanizing and
> disrespectful, and while it MAY create compliance (quiet boys
> and girls who do what you say when you say it), it will also
> create resentment, anger, frustration, rage, and acting out.
> Especially with students who are having issues with their own
> sense of personal empowerment/self-respect in any and all
> areas of their lives.
>
> So yes, this means that the kid who will act out the most in
> a compliance-oriented system is also most likely to change
> their behavior when they are TRULY treated with high
> expectations and respect at all times - especially when they
> act out.
>
> But for a truly transformative experience with illuminating
> insights, READ ALFIE KOHN'S BOOK. (I read it in one sitting
> while flying across country to give a talk on classroom
> management and do some educational consulting - it gave me
> even more to talk about. :-)

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