I think it has to be both. Science definately has it's place. There are plenty of stratgies that have been researched, tested and used successfully. Also numbers sometimes play a very important role in what we do and why we do it. To discount the "scientific" aspect of discipline would be a real disservice to our schools. However, one cannot always rely solely on science. Your school is unique and the culture may not allow any one of the tested discipline approaches to be used effectively. You may need to borrow from here and there and make some parts of it up as you go, so there is an art aspect in creating a unique discipline plan that works for your school.
I agree with Julie that discipline is a combination of art and science. There are proven strategies "science" that work to create a culture of proper discipline where there is respect on the continuum of individuals in the school community. However, there is definitely an "art" that comes with experience and personality in getting children to respond to correction (discipline) where they will listen and feel listened to. As with most of these questions....I side with an answer of both!
I am leaning more on the art side than the science side. Yes, a configuration has to be in place for clear communication, consequences, etc. Protocol should be laid out. But - I have seen it in action that the relationship building is an art, and discipline is all about relationships - between people and between people and their environment. So, yes, it is both, but for successfulness, go for art! Remember, art takes practice too!
3 comments:
I think it has to be both. Science definately has it's place. There are plenty of stratgies that have been researched, tested and used successfully. Also numbers sometimes play a very important role in what we do and why we do it. To discount the "scientific" aspect of discipline would be a real disservice to our schools. However, one cannot always rely solely on science. Your school is unique and the culture may not allow any one of the tested discipline approaches to be used effectively. You may need to borrow from here and there and make some parts of it up as you go, so there is an art aspect in creating a unique discipline plan that works for your school.
I agree with Julie that discipline is a combination of art and science. There are proven strategies "science" that work to create a culture of proper discipline where there is respect on the continuum of individuals in the school community. However, there is definitely an "art" that comes with experience and personality in getting children to respond to correction (discipline) where they will listen and feel listened to. As with most of these questions....I side with an answer of both!
I am leaning more on the art side than the science side. Yes, a configuration has to be in place for clear communication, consequences, etc. Protocol should be laid out.
But - I have seen it in action that the relationship building is an art, and discipline is all about relationships - between people and between people and their environment.
So, yes, it is both, but for successfulness, go for art! Remember, art takes practice too!
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