#6

I read a post called "They need Teaching.....not Punishment". This post included some very interesting views on how to address negative behavior. The gentlemen explains that when we change our mindset from a role of someone who gives out punishment to someone who teaches and supports, students end up learning the skills needed to be successful in a social setting. This post was in response to Dr. Ross Greene's book "Lost at School". Dr. Greene states, when we change our lens from "kids do well if they want...to kids do well if they can," we see much greater growth in our children.
I agree with most of what both gentlemen are saying. I do believe that punishment and rewards will not teach children to do something they cannot do yet accomplish. A big part of redirecting behavior is to find out what is causing that behavior. It seems both gentlemen are talking about classifications. They also talk about rewards changing behaviors, or failing to for that matter. I believe that rewards are used to reinforce positive behavior that teachers and administrators are looking for. I see this as a useful tool in the classroom. Why not encourage the type of behavior you're looking for by identifying those students who have a good understanding of it and are demonstrating it. I do agree that focusing on the negative behavior isn't as effective and may not help you achieve the outcome a teacher is looking for.
If rewards and punishment are being used to change a behavior that a child simply cannot do yet then, no, it is not ever going to be effective. In this case we must sit down and determine the reasons for this behavior. This includes sitting down with the parent to come up with reasons as to why the child is acting out. Ask the parents what works at home and how to implement those strategies in the classroom.
I currently have a situation in one of my classrooms. There is a student who does not listen or follow directions. She removes herself from lessons and doesn't complete her work. She also shuts down when you talk to her. As Dr. Greene points out, rewards and punishment will not and have not worked for this child. The reason is most likely that we are asking her to do things she simply cannot do yet. The next step is to sit down with the parent and determine reasons for this behavior and patterns of behavior at home. She is lagging in many skills and it is our job as educators to find out how to make that connection with her that will enable her to learn.