There is - what I’m going to argue is - a myth that persists in our education system  that the best way to improve behavior is to punish misbehavior. 

It’s so inherently part of our society (and our own education experience), that we largely don’t even question it. 

In our homes:

• The best way to stop a kid from hitting? Time out.
• To reduce tantrums and whining? Tantrum (or fussing, as it was called when I was a kid) charts.
• To address back-talk? Grounding.

In our schools:

• The best way to deal with classroom disruptions and disrespect? Loss of recess. Lunch detentions. 
• To improve participation? Participation grades and zeroes.

In society:

• The best way to prevent speeding? Tickets and fines.

Of course, punishment - and the threat of it - does work for many people, maybe even most people. But it comes with its downsides - its dangers, even.

In this episode, let's explore this question -- is this the best way to get the cooperation we are aiming for in our classrooms? Is punishment going to help us - teachers and students - become “partners in learning”?  And if not, what can we do instead?

sincerely yours,

🍄 NV

Sincerely Yours,

Nicole VanTassel
Intentional Teach Project
iExploreScience

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