Fram David Wolsk (2003.03.22.18.28 PST)
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Hank Folson" <hank@henryjames.com>
To: <csgnet@listserv.uiuc.edu>
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2003 3:29 AM
Subject: Re: PCT dogmatism, PCT impact on life, hubris, etc.
You're actually missing the point. The teacher makes the statement within
a larger context. This all part of an agreement about how things work in a
classroom within Ed Ford's definitely PCT based program. The student
understands that certain controlling actions (typically those disruptive to
other students) will lead to "the statement". If the student wants to go to
the special room (I forget Ed's name for it.), one perfectly acceptable way
is to break an agreement. The teacher would actually be avoiding her
responsibility were she not to calmly make the statement and let the child
go to the room.
The purpose of going to the room is not about enforcing punishment. The
room is a location where a student can have an opportunity to regain control
of their life in school. The student figures out what would be more
effective controlling, writes a little plan, discusses it, and goes back to
the classroom in full control.
I'd like to reinforce what Hank points out. The context for Ed Ford's
approach is the overly rigid, punitive "teacher must maintain control" that
is taught in most teacher training programmes. Ed made some headway because
it worked better.
David Wolsk
Adjunct Prof, Univ. Victoria Faculty of Education (where lots of our
graduates still go out intent on establishing control from day one)
