It would really depend across classes and groups. I've worked a lot with kids in academic (schools) and semi-academic settings (scientific summer camps), and I've had groups that had an awareness for "what was best for them".
For example, in one programming summer camp I led, I've had kids come to me at the end of the 10 days and tell me that I was their favorite educator and a great director because I was tough but fair and expected them to learn and progress, while some other educator was lame because even though he was super nice and laid back, they didn't learn anything with him.
Now of course, during the camp itself, I've overheard more than one kid telling another that I was super mean and terrible. But in the end, most of them were vocal about how they appreciated me.
Kids in general tend to be very aware of and appreciate fairness, consistency, and holding them up to standards and pushing them to get better.
Cases like that are not the exception, but sadly not the majority either (the specific example I cited was with French "gifted" kids between 14-18 years old). So it would really depend.
A lot of kids mature enough to go to scientific/programming camps are usually the ones mature enough to understand that they learn under guidelines. Also, those kids aren't being graded.
As a recent high schooler, I've seen kids who absolutely hated their teachers because they gave them bad grades because they challenge their students. However, this specific teacher was probably the most influential for those who appreciated him.
I'm just afraid that the majority will figure out the system and use it as a weapon, as was mentioned.
For example, in one programming summer camp I led, I've had kids come to me at the end of the 10 days and tell me that I was their favorite educator and a great director because I was tough but fair and expected them to learn and progress, while some other educator was lame because even though he was super nice and laid back, they didn't learn anything with him.
Now of course, during the camp itself, I've overheard more than one kid telling another that I was super mean and terrible. But in the end, most of them were vocal about how they appreciated me. Kids in general tend to be very aware of and appreciate fairness, consistency, and holding them up to standards and pushing them to get better.
Cases like that are not the exception, but sadly not the majority either (the specific example I cited was with French "gifted" kids between 14-18 years old). So it would really depend.