Teachers’ attitude towards corporal punishment in secondary schools: a case study of Rukungiri district Uganda

Abstract

DISSERTATION

This study focused on teachers’ attitude towards corporal punishment in Secondary schools in Rukunkiri District. It was conducted in both government-aided and private, day and boarding, single sex and mixed secondary schools. The study was carried out using cross-sectional research design. Out of 21 schools in the study area, twelve schools participated in the study. The study reflects the views of 112 teacher-participants, who were selected using random sampling, and administrators using convenience sampling. One questionnaire for teachers with both closed and open-ended questions, non-participant observation and structured interviews with open-ended questions were used to collect the relevant data. The data collected was subjected to content analysis. The major findings indicated that teachers had high regard for corporal punishment School leadership; parent and external factors played a significant role in influencing corporal punishment in secondary schools. The study recommended among others that the government should open dialogue and reach a consensus agreement with teachers, parents and the general public about corporal punishment policy for schools. The Ministry of Education and Sports should oblige school heads to be personally be accountable for any discipline decisions and actions taking place in their schools.