Essay- DISCIPLINE IS A GREAT TEACHER - JOHN HOLT

DISCIPLINE IS A GREAT TEACHER

JOHN HOLT

Introduction

    John Holt, an American writer cum teacher was a pioneer in youth rights theory. He has written many books regarding needed reform in the tradition school system. Discipline is a Great Teacher is an extract from his book Freedom and Beyond. In this lesson, he discusses about the limit of discipline and force in the upbringing of a child. According to John Holt, there are  three kinds of disciplines which can mould a child as it grows. The three kinds of disciplines are         i) Discipline of Nature b) Discipline of Society    and c) Discipline of Superior Force

Discipline of Nature

     John Holt says that at schools children should be permitted to do their activities of their own. When they fail in the given tasks more chances must be given to them, to measure properly, to fit, to fly, and to float so that they can correct their mistakes themselves. They can find solutions by their regular practice. It will teach them to learn everything with interest and without any disappointment.

  Discipline of Society

     Usually children sense around them. They learn to do what the elders around them do. Children want to do right unless they become convinced they cannot do right. So that children rarely misbehave in church. They sit quietly and absorb the behavior of the elders. Once they followed, it cannot be changed whether it is good or bad. Holt says society plays a vital role in framing the character of a child.

Discipline of Superior Force

      It is necessary to protect the life, health, safety or well being of children or other living creature. At the same time, we should not assume ourselves that a child cannot understand the real nature of the danger. Actually, a child can learn everything faster than we think. For example, in Mexico, children not older than five or four understood about cars, so they walk unattended on the street. In the name of discipline if we threaten the child often there is no way for him to grow up or to learn anything for his life and acts.  Sometimes the Superior Force  make them feel impotent and cowardly for not having enough strength  to resist.

Merits and Demerits of the Superior Force

    To learn the moves of classical ballet, one should have good training. In ballet dance training, the learner has to follow the trainer’s methods otherwise he cannot dance the ballet. If the teacher is not happy about the performance of the student he can kick the student out of the class. So the student should submit himself to the superior force.

Conclusion

     According to Holt, Force is like salt – too much of it is harmful and counterproductive. The child who is controlled too much becomes arrogant. Children are like double- edged knife, so they must be handled carefully.