Traditional approaches to disciplining students are simply not working today, according to US educator and author Marvin Marshall.

?Kids are not as responsible as former generations,? he said.

Dr. Marshall, a guest speaker from the United States, will give insight on how to manage students and children in a more effective way tonight at the Bermuda College.

He has been invited to Bermuda by Phi Delta Kappa an International Education Association to speak to parents, teachers, and leaders on different methods of discipline.

?Teaching and parenting these days is very stressful. I will show teachers, leaders, and parents how to reduce stress through three simple practices, ? said Dr. Marshall, the author of ?Discipline without Stress ? Punishments or Rewards?.

The practices include positiveness, choice, and reflection which promote responsibility, increase effectiveness, and improve relationships.

Dr. Marshall believes that one should always communicate on positive terms.

He said: ?Choice empowers people. It gives ownership of their decisions and it is critical to feel a sense of power.

?Reflection is based upon the idea that although you can control another person temporarily, you can not change them. People change themselves.?

Dr. Marshall has spoken in Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, and 41 states in America. It is his first time to Bermuda.

He has been principal of middle, high, and elementary schools, as well as the director of education in California.

Both public and private school teachers and administrators are expected to attended the seminar.

Dr. Marshall will discuss how you can not change someone or motivate them through coercion.

?In order to change students it is necessary to change teachers.?

Dr. Marshall hopes that people leave his presentation and begin to practice the three simple practices in their professional and personal lives. And to start teaching toward responsibility instead of obedience.

?When you teach toward responsibility you get obedience as a natural by-product.?

The seminar will be hands-on as well as a lecture.

?It will be interactive ? people will be talking with each other and they will prove to themselves what I am saying.

?I will show them a hands on technique to redirect impulsiveness.?

Most of what will be discussed at the lecture is available on Dr. Marshall?s website, www.marvinmarshall.com.

Also on the website is a monthly electronic newsletter which will included much of what will be discussed at the lecture.

The free lecture will take place at 4.30 p.m. at the Bermuda College North Hall Lecture Theatre room N100 today.