C/EC/39. Rewards and sanctions in secondary schools and their impact on pupil's punctuality

The paper presents a literature review of rewards and sanctions employed in secondary schools and their perceived effectiveness on pupil's behaviour. Sanctions in the form of detentions are discussed showing the need to consider not only the 'type' of the punishment imposed but also the 'severity' of the punishment and its potential impact on the student's subsequent lateness. Key variables impacting on student's reaction to rewards and sanctions are considered including gender, parental involvement and the informal skills exercised by the individual teacher. The difference between teacher's perceptions and pupil's perceptions of effectiveness is discussed.