In some suburban schools, the curriculum is chock-full of rigorous A.P. courses and the parking lot glitters with pricey SUVs, but one doesn't have to look hard to find students who are starving themselves, cutting themselves, or medicating themselves, as well students who are taking out their frustrations on those who sit lower on the social food chain.
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 KohnEach 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 Kohn