QUESTION:
I’m new to Discipline without Stress and never heard of the term, “imposed consequences” before. What exactly does Dr. Marshall mean by this?

RESPONSE:
When Dr. Marshall refers to “imposed” consequences, he is speaking about any consequence that has been determined BY the adult, FOR the student. An imposed consequence is one that has been imposed on the student by the adult.

Sometimes teachers simply use the term, “consequence” when they refer to what is actually an imposed consequence. Sometimes they use the terms, “logical consequence” or “natural consequence” too. Regardless of what term is used, Dr. Marshall explains that the defining feature of an imposed consequence is that it has been imposed ON a student.

The term, “imposed consequence” sometimes gives people the mistaken impression that the consequence must be harsh in order to be described as “imposed,” however this isn’t the case. The severity of the consequence isn’t the issue. The defining point has to do with who is in charge of the process.

For instance, if a student misbehaves and the teacher decides to have her/him to sit out, then the consequence has been determined and IMPOSED by THE ADULT. Another example would be a parent who decides that a teenager should be “grounded” because of some type of misbehavior.

Dr. Marshall asks people to consider the fact that imposed consequences (including those that might even be called “consequences” or “logical consequences,”) are, by virtue of the fact that they have been imposed, actually punishments by another name. While many teachers would agree that imposing “punishments” is a negative and outdated way to handle discipline situations, many are surprised when first asked to consider that the imposition of “consequences” and “logical consequences” is an equally punitive and negative practice.

In discipline situations in which a consequence is deemed necessary, Dr. Marshall suggests a more positive approach to raising student responsibility. DwStress uses ELICITED consequences.

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Posted In: Guided Choices
posted On: July 23, 2008: 11:41 pm: By Kerry Weisner
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