Anna Sullivan writes in The Conversation (27.5.16) about evidence showing that current disciplinary approaches to student behaviour in some schools might be making matters worse.
‘It’s often thought a tough approach to behaviour is the way forward for schools. But research shows that punitive responses, such as writing names on the board, taking away a student’s lunch time, or handing out detention, are actually ineffective in the long term and can exacerbate student disengagement and alienation.
‘Harsh actions might initially bring about some student compliance, but over time they build resentfulness, and relationships then breakdown.
‘So why do schools in Australia continue with this approach? What does research say about how to improve behaviour in schools? And are other countries getting it right?’
- Schools’ tough approach to bad behaviour isn’t working – and may escalate problems »
- Why suspending or expelling students often does more harm than good »
- If Australian schools want to improve student discipline, they need to address these 5 issues »
- Poor discipline in Australian schools among factors driving teachers away, OECD warns
- Australian classrooms are among the ‘least favourable’ for discipline in the OECD. Here’s how to improve student behaviour
- Principals report pressure from Queensland’s education department to overturn suspensions
- An apple for the teacher, and $288 million for the students who behave themselves