The perceptions of educators on the influence of the abolition of corporal punishment on school discipline

M.Ed.The general aim of this research was to analyse the perceptions of educators on the influence of the abolition of corporal punishment on school discipline. Discipline underpins every aspect of life (Blandford, 1998: 39). Without discipline effective teaching and learning cannot take place. This research was promoted by the lack of discipline in the Limpopo Province. The fact that most educators feel frustrated because of the abolition of corporal punishment motivated this research. The poor matric results and the poor culture of teaching and learning in schools pose a challenge to educators as change agents. The introduction and background to the problem are indicated in chapter one. A qualitative approach is employed to elicit the perceptions of educators on the influence of the abolition of corporal punishment on school discipline. The literature review revealed that corporal punishment results in physical, psychological and social health risks. The researcher assumed that educators should use alternative strategies to maintain discipline in schools. The data was collected and analysed using the constant comparative method. Focus group interviews were conducted with educators in the Thohoyandou District, in the Limpopo Province. The interviews revealed that generally the absence of corporal punishment works against good discipline. Educators were concerned at the state withdrawal of corporal punishment without the provision of the alternative strategies to corporal punishment. Educators also accepted that since corporal punishment has been abolished, they have to fully involve parents in their children's education