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About this quote

What does it mean?
Modern schools punish less, but also teach less; students gain early and lose later.
In plain terms
Less punishment now means less learning; kids forget what they learned.
What can you take from it?
Reduced discipline can lead to superficial education.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • teacher training
  • curriculum review

Putting it to work

  • balance discipline with engagement
  • ensure retention

Questions to consider

  • What methods can improve retention without harsh discipline?
  • How do we measure true learning?

Another view

Other factors also affect learning outcomes.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.

    Permalink to quote #143
  2. There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.

    Permalink to quote #145
  3. Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

    Permalink to quote #142

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