Tao Xingzhi (1891–1946) advanced the modern Chinese education theory. When he was the principal of an elementary school, he called a student who hit another student into his office. To the student with his head down, he handed a candy.
“This is a prize because you have come on time.”
To the student who looked confused, he handed another candy.
“This is a reward as you stopped hitting him immediately when I told you to stop.”
Tao Xingzhi gave him another candy and said, “I found out the reason you hit him. It was because he harassed a girl student against the rules. It means that you have a good heart and courage to fight against a bad man. Don’t you deserve reward?”
Then the boy burst into tears and said, “Please just scold me. I hit a friend.”
At this, Tao Xingzhi gave him the last candy.
“This is a reward for you know your fault. Oh, I ran out of candies. You may go now.”