I tried to post this under my other category & it didn't work.

I am responding to an article published in the American Educator in Fall of 1997 written by Robert J. Mackenzie. It discusses how consquences for disturbing behavior in the classroom are necessary. He states they provide clear and defintive answers to children's questions about what is and is not acceptable and who is in charge. When used consistently, he says, consequences teach responsibility and hold students accountable for their choices and behavior.

This is somewhat contradictory to Glasser, don't you agree? I would have to say I agree that consequences(when used correctly & consistently) certainly are effective mananagement tools in the classroom. Though I believe "over-using" them could also spark some problems. In my classes students lose part of their participation points for misbehavior. However, I rarely, if ever have to use them because they seem to really like Spanish and want to learn. (Possibly because it has become a part of their "Quality World." )

Please Respond with some ideas on how each of you handle consequences in your classrooms. What works, what doesn't?

-- Anonymous, April 14, 1999