Skip to content

Far from helping students to develop into mature…

“Far from helping students to develop into mature, self-reliant, self-motivated individuals, schools seem to do everything they can to keep youngsters in a state of chronic, almost infantile, dependency. The pervasive atmosphere of distrust, together with rules covering the most minute aspects of…” quote by Alfie Kohn
Download Open image
““Far from helping students to develop into mature, self-reliant, self-motivated individuals, schools seem to do everything they can to keep youngsters in a state of chronic, almost infantile, dependency. The pervasive atmosphere of distrust, together with rules covering the most minute aspects of existence, teach students every day that they are not people of worth, and certainly not individuals capable of regulating their own behavior.””

Alfie Kohn

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Over‑regulation in schools creates dependency, stifling autonomy and self‑motivation.

In simple terms: Too many rules make students dependent.

Key Takeaway

Foster student independence.

Themes

education psychology authority

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • classroom management
  • policy reform
  • parenting
  • self‑directed learning

Key Concepts

autonomy dependency trust issues

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can schools encourage self‑regulation?
  • What policies hinder student autonomy?
A Different Perspective

Balancing structure and freedom is complex.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Alfie Kohn

Explore all 88 Alfie Kohn quotes

More Education quotes

Browse all 37,666 Education quotes