If a student is punished for behavior that is unacceptable, he or she may become uncooperative at other times. The student may not try or work for the paraeducator or teacher when requested to do so. A student's self-esteem can suffer if the only attention from teachers or paraeducators is in the form of punishment. The negative feelings that come from only experiencing punishment can result in an attitude that he or she can do nothing right. With the use of punishment, there is not an opportunity for the student to be recognized for the behavior that is acceptable.
Punishment can discourage both unacceptable and acceptable behaviors.
If a student is frequently met with negative responses for behavior, the student may decrease both positive and negative behaviors. If positive behaviors decrease, the student will not have the opportunity to learn or practice acceptable behaviors. Punishment does not encourage a student to take social risks. Praise is one form of social approval. Just as with praise, these other forms of social approval should be given as soon as possible after the positive behavior is observed.