Lesson 6 of 7 · 5 min · 8-card deck

Consequences that change behaviour

Why certainty matters more than severity.

Effective consequences are certain, swift, and proportionate — in that order of importance. A small, certain consequence applied consistently will change behaviour faster than a large, occasional one. Pupils don't fear the size of the punishment; they respond to its inevitability.

Sanctions should target behaviour, not the person, and they should never humiliate. A 10-minute detention to complete missed work teaches accountability; standing a pupil at the front to be mocked teaches resentment. The first is professional; the second is misconduct.

Active recall flashcards

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Practice scenario

A pupil has accumulated three lunchtime detentions in a fortnight. Rather than escalating to a longer sanction, the teacher has a 5-minute restorative chat: 'What's going on?'. The pupil reveals he hasn't been sleeping due to stress at home. The teacher refers to pastoral and the pattern shifts.

Try this in your classroom

Be certain and consistent — the threat must always be carried out.
Keep sanctions proportionate and never humiliating.
Follow up with a brief restorative conversation.
Track sanctions — patterns reveal pupils who need pastoral support.