A dunce cap is a traditional punishment for students who have been deemed academically deficient. However, this term may not be appropriate in modern times. Instead, educators may consider using a more positive term, such as a "study crown" or "smart hat". Other synonyms for dunce cap can include "knowledge hat", "learning cap", or "intellectual headgear". In this way, the punishment becomes less about shaming and more about incentivizing learning and improvement. Ultimately, these new terms can have a positive impact on student motivation and can help to create a culture of learning rather than one of punishment.