"Lessons Taught Through Fear"

  Written by Susan Fitzell

This is an eyeopening story of one teachers learning experience on Punishment vs Discipline. The methods she experienced and the realization of trauma and fear that creates humiliation through Punishment. 

See after 'my experience' below the featured story of teacher!  
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"As a young student myself in elementary school in the early 1970's the punishment for unacceptable behavior was the strap. I am not sure of the material it was made of (possibly rubber), however it was implemented across the palm of the students writing hand. By the reaction of the student punished it was very painful, bring most to tears. Although myself I had never received the strap as punishment I witnessed it many times as it was generally received in front of the classroom for all students to witness. As I think back now I do not believe it had any affect on behavior of the re-offending students who often received it. However it instilled fear in many students who certainly did not want to do anything wrong to receive this punishment. The pain, punishment and humiliation was horrific now as I think back." ~ Susan Swinemar 
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Featured Story: "Lessons Taught in Fear"
                                       By Susan Fitzell

Article Link: you may need to copy and paste in your browser to read.
http://gazette.teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/susan-fitzell/lessons-taught-through-fear/

Quote from featured story:
"If I had not had both these experiences, I would have intellectually understood the philosophical arguments for discipline and against punishment, but, my understanding would not have come from an experience that touched me deeply. Experience makes a better teacher. Some adults from my generation, who were often educated in punitive environments, may never have experienced caring discipline. Consequently, these adults would look at the world with the attitude, “If It worked for me, it will work for them.” The emotional scars that result from punishment and ridicule may...."  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~