Abstract:
This study sought to find out the students’ perception on the contribution of
corporal punishment to discipline. Students of Labone Senior High School in
the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality were the population for the study. The
target population 400 conveniently selected students in Labone Senior High
School. Primary data was collected through questionnaire and interview. The
data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. More than half of the
students that were sampled were of the view that corporal punishment teaches
respect for authority and helps monitor discipline effectively especially in
school. Corporal punishment amongst other types of punishment methods for
the effective discipline of students was most preferred by the majority of the
sampled students. Caning and kneeling were the commonest types of corporal
punishments meted out to students in and outside the classroom; in the school
environment. Teachers employed the use of corporal punishment as a
discipline tool sparingly so most of the students do not often get scarred by
such experience. The students were of the view that corporal punishment was
not an avenue for teachers to vent their anger. Well trained teachers were of
the view that the laws of Ghana should make provisions so that recalcitrant
students can be taken into reformation custody. Furthermore, stakeholders of
the education sector should work closely with students and teachers so as to
bring positive impact to the student concerned.
