Good for good is better than bad for bad
Many mistake that penalties ensure a deeper imprint of learning issues. They fail to understand that it detracts from learning issues and tends to create deeper impressions of the penalties instead. In the end, it defeats the duty of the instructors, that is to teach. Students that learn, learn from revulsion of the penalties, rather than coming out feeling enriched and ready to be a problem solver.

That's why i feel that quantitative measurement of exercises - where the lowest scorer earns him/herself some form of penalty - is erroneous. Creating people who are fearful of mistakes prevents the grooming of people that have the courage for resourcefulness and are undaunted by setbacks.

Quantitative measurement is important however, in order to evaluate abilities and see if the learners can demonstrate having gained from lessons. It's having penalties for mistakes i'm opposed to.

Rather than teaching a child what not to do, or else risk incuring punishment, a wiser way would be to teach a child exactly what is good and right to do. Take morals for example: It is correct to state the immorality of lying, but stress more on the importance and benefits of honesty . The indesire for rude behavior should be known, but glorify the beauty of courtesy and politeness. Do inform the errors of infidelity, but highlight the joys of faithfulness.

Parenting is an example where the nurture of personality evolves a person with initiative, sanguinity, resourcefulness and sureness of what to do. The same should be done in schools and learning instituitions.

I view this practice of "penalties for mistakes", as opposed to "learning issues from mistakes", highly objectionable. It reflects little thought in nurturing our only and valued national resource, our people. I hope this archaic and anachronistic culture may erode and a positive learning environment, in multiple aspects of life, be introduced.