Alternatives to Instilling Discipline in Primary Schools during the Post-Corporal Punishment Era in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to look at instilling discipline in learners after corporal punishment was abolished in schools in Uganda. We approached the study by identifying the alternatives to corporal punishment and the attitudes of educational stakeholders (learners, teachers and parents) towards disciplinary management alternatives. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and observation using two neighbouring schools in Masaka Municipality. A qualitative research approach was used in the study. Findings reveal that there are several alternatives to corporal punishment and that educational stakeholders hold different views about these alternatives to corporal punishment. The study recommends that alternatives such as manual labour, professional support such as counseling and guidance and small class sizes should be employed as alternatives to corporal punishment.