Perceptions of learners and teachers on the alternatives to the alternatives to corporal punishment: a case study of two high schools in King William’s town education district in the Eastern Cape

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the perceptions of learners and teachers on the alternatives to ‘Alternatives to Corporal Punishment’ (ATPC) in particular and discipline generally in the King William’s Town Education District in two high schools. The study ascended as a result of the decline of learner’s discipline in high schools. This study is located in the interpretive paradigm and adopted a qualitative research approach using questionnaires, interviews focus groups and field notes in the collection of data. The Data revealed that schools were using different strategies to maintain learner’s discipline such as Code of Conduct, Disciplinary hearing, Safety and Security Committee, Educators, Corporal Punishment, Alternative methods to Corporal Punishment and the role of parents. It further revealed that the Department of Education is not supportive in the maintenance of discipline in the schools under study in King William’s Town District. The conclusion that was arrived at was that all the stakeholders should agree upon and be acquainted with the Code of Conduct and rules that are guiding the schools. The study came up with the proposal that learners should know the consequences of transgressing the Code of Conduct. To address disciplinary problems, the study came up with the key recommendation that all stakeholders must have ownership and to work as a team in the implementation of those policies.