Lindsay's Question

Lindsay's Question: What are some positive outcomes of (authoritarian) teaching styles?

I suppose although this authoritarian teaching style with "factory-like" classrooms is mostly counterproductive, perhaps it is useful in teaching a few things. For example, learning in such a strict setting can improve discipline. Students who have strict expectations and clearly set rules may have an easier time developing a sense of self-discipline to follow guidelines and meet expectations. Some students need more rigidity and stability in their schooldays to make up for the lax parenting they receive at home. A rigid and highly controlled setting may be exactly what a child needs to flourish and feel like his behavior is important. These rules and expectations may make the child feel a sense of purpose as he/she works to meet the expectations of the teacher. In saying this, I am not claiming to be in support of this type of teaching style, but perhaps some benefits of this style do exist.

My question is this: When you were in high school, did you experience varied styles of teaching (strict vs. lax) and which one did you find most beneficial?