Abstract:
This study investigated the attitude of Junior High School (JHS) students in the
Sissala East Municipality towards the use of punishment in behaviour
management. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. A total of 291
respondents were sampled from an accessible population of 1,208 JHS Two
students using probability sampling techniques. A closed-ended questionnaire
was used to collect data for the study. The data was analysed using Means,
Standard Deviations and Mann-Whitney U test. The study revealed that there is
frequent use of corporal punishment in Junior High Schools in the Sissala East
Municipality. It also found that Junior High School (JHS) students in the
Municipality have negative attitudes towards the use of punishment, as well as
towards teachers who use punishment in behaviour management. More so,
respondents reported that punishment has both positive and negative impact on
the behaviour of students. However, the study found no statistically significant
differences in the attitudes of JHS students, in terms of sex and age, towards the
use of punishment in behaviour management. The study therefore recommends
teachers to stop the use of corporal punishment such as caning, insulting, and
asking students to kneel down. Teachers are also encouraged to use alternatives
to corporal punishment to manage disruptive behaviour, such as asking students
to sweep. Also, the study encourages teachers to learn and apply various
strategies that make alternatives to corporal punishment effective.
