Curwin and Mendler’s 9 Principles for Consequence Implementation

Curwin and Mendler’s 9 Principles

for Consequence Implementation

1. Always implement a consequence: Be consistent.

2. Simply state the rule and consequence.

3. Be physically close: Use the power of proximity

4. Make direct eye contact. (maybe better said as “make personal contact”).

5. Use a soft voice.

6. Catch the student being good.

7. Don’t embarrass the student in front of the class.

8. Be firm, but anger free when giving the consequence.

9. Don’t accept excuses, bargaining or whining.

Consequences vs. Punishments

A Comparison

Consequences	Punishments
Intend to teach lessons	Intend to give discomfort
Foster internal locus of control	Foster external locus of control
Are proactive	Are reactive
Are logical and related	Are unrelated and personal
Work in the long-term	Work in the short-term
Promote responsibility	Can promote obedience (but more likely resentment)