Each time I visit such a classroom, where the teacher is more interested in creating a democratic community than in maintaining her position of authority, Iโm convinced all over again that moving away from consequences and rewards isnโt just realistic - itโs the best way to help kids grow into good learners and good people.
Alfie KohnEducators remind us that what counts in a classroom is not what the teacher teaches; itโs what the learner learns.
Alfie KohnSometimes we have to put our foot down, ... but before we deliberately make children unhappy in order to get them to get into the car, or to do their homework or whatever, we need to weigh whether what we're doing to make it happen is worth the possible strain on our relationship with them.
Alfie KohnJohn Dewey reminded us that the value of what students do 'resides in its connection with a stimulation of greater thoughtfulness, not in the greater strain it imposes.
Alfie KohnSaying you taught it but the student didn't learn it is like saying you sold it but the customer didn't buy it.
Alfie Kohn