Group punishment.

[bettycat81]

DS 7 (yr2) is in a very boy heavy class (80% boys). Today someone in the class drew on the back of one boys jumper. All the boys were taken to the headteacher and told that if the culprit didn't own up then they would all miss golden time this Friday.

My grievance is not with the group punishment (although DS finds this very unfair) as such but that the teachers believe it couldn't possibly be one of the girls in the class too.

No one is sure when this happened so it could have been committed by anyone including the "victim". So if a group punishment is deemed the right way to go it should be the whole class who are punished?

[Rainydayspending]

Perhaps there's a reason to believe a girl could not have been involved? Or indeed there is a reason to believe a particular boy did it but noone actually witnessed this (previous incident or such).

[bettycat81]

Surely, then there would have been boys they don't think could have done it?

[Trifleorbust]

Why do they think it is one of the boys?

Group punishments of this sort really aren't helpful. There is a place for them when there has been very significant disruption from a class generally, and none of the students have covered themselves in glory even if they weren't all equally involved, but this 'come forward or else' strategy just unites the class against the teacher and behind the culprit.

[Marmalady75]

We've been banned from giving out whole group or whole class punishments in my school. There were a couple of teachers that used it regularly rather than dealing with the individuals responsible. I don't think the punishment is fair and it is made even more unfair that the girls have all been excluded from it.

[MaisyPops]

I dont think that was the right way forward for such a young group in my opinion

even if they weren't all equally involved, but this 'come forward or else' strategy just unites the class against the teacher and behind the culprit.
Not always. Depends on the age, knowing your students etc.
E.g. something happened last week just outside my room (something silly but someone almost got hurt). I was 80% sure I knew which 3 boys it was. When the group were in and settled the class were told:

1. I am reasonably sure I know who it was but couldn't tell 100%
   
2. That owning up means I will speak to them like young adults
   
3. If nobody owns up then I'll open it up to the class to grass you up
   
4. if I still don't havr the names then Ill keep you all in and destroy your day (complete with evil laugh and villain gestures)
   

It worked because they are a lovely group of teenagers, they knew that I'd be fair if they were honest but harsh if they weren't. Realistically it would be rare for them not to own up and I get on well with the class and their mates would grass them up because it was fish and chip day for lunch so they wanted to be out on time.

[Trifleorbust]

MaisyPops: I agree. I think usually it is ineffective though.