Why Punishment Does Not Work Punishment is a less effective means of dealing with unacceptable student behavior. Punishment gives attention to the wrong behavior. When attention is given to innappropriate behaviors by the paraeducator or the teacher, frequently the behavior increases. The student may repeat the behavior just to get attention. For some students, attention of any kind is desirable.
Punishment can damage the student's relationship with the teacher or the paraeducator.
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.