Dominant and Traditional

Practice in American
Schools

The Positive Discipline

Approach

vs

T wo O p p o s i n g S c h o o l s o f T h o u g h t
on Human Behavior
Common Practice
Pavlove, Thorndyke,
and Skinner

Who developed the

theory?

Adler, Driekurs, Glasser,

Nelsen, Lott, Dinkmeyer

People respond to rewards

and punishments in their
environment.

What motivates
behavior?

People seek a sense of belonging

(connection) and significance (meaning)
in their social context

At the moment of response

to a specific behavior.

When do we have
the most influence
on the behavior of
others?

In an ongoing relationship
founded on mutual respect

Control, rewards, and

punishments

What are the most

powerful tools for
adults?

Empathy, understanding the perspective

of the student, collaborative problem
solving, kind and firm follow-through

Obedience and compliance

in relationships in which
dignity and respect of the
adult is primary.

"Respect" is...

Censure, isolation,
punishment

Response to
inappropriate
behavior

Censure, isolation,
punishment

Response to
dangerous and
destructive behavior

Clear follow through while

allowing students to experience
the results of their actions.

The adult has effective

control over student
behavior

Student learning is
maximized when...

The student feels belonging and

significance in the classroom

www.PositiveDiscipline.org

Mutual, in relationships in
which each person is equally
worthy of dignity and respect
Naming without shaming and
blaming, focus on solutions, follow
through, addressing the belief
behind the behavior

Positive Discipline in the School and Classroom

Teachers Guide: Activities for Students