1998 Discipline Discipline is one of the most controversial topics in the educational community. Throughout both the nation and the world, opinions differ greatly regarding the use, effectiveness and need for discipline in our classrooms. Personal definitions of discipline often stem from deep-rooted and emotionally divisive religious and cultural beliefs. Tragically, these various beliefs have often resulted in defensiveness and heated conflict. These overwhelming emotional reactions make it extremely difficult for reason, objectivity, new ideas or even abundant scientific research to prevail.
Many people point to societal problems as evidence of a lack of discipline.
Clearly, there is a huge difference between chastisement and development, for example. A disciple is a follower, but we don't get children to follow us by punishing them. We get children to follow us by meeting their needs and by earning their respect, not demanding it. To better understand a child's emotional thought process, it might be helpful for you to think about how you feel when you are punished. This question though, begs a larger question.