The
rise in discipline problems among students has been related to the lack of
respect students have for teachers. This disrespect appears to be linked to the
ban on caning byc lass teachers. Hence, there has been a call to put the cane
back in the teacher's hand to Instill discipline.
Is it
through the fear of caning that students will learn discipline ? Can
the cane create asense of respect for the teacher and the school authority
?
Caning
can be a powerful deterrent to misbehavior. Contrary to popular belief, caning
does not scar a child or youngster psychologically unless the punishment
meted out Is unjust or too severe. However, would teachers who
are confronted by an onslaught of disobedience, rudeness and
disrespect still be able to act rationally ? The number of casesin which
teachers misused their power have caught much attention. These are
teachers who resort to caning as a way to control students. No improvement in
the student's behavior results in increased and more severe
punishment until the punishment can rightfully be termed child abuse. it is
often the teachers' mood that determines the severity of the caning.
Caning in other words has become a means to release the teachers'
frustration and anger. This is an abuse of power.
Teachers
cannot expect to be respected by their students just because they have been
given the power to cane. Respect is not gained through the power of the cane,
but by a mutual understanding through a close student-teacher relationship. If
a teacher carries out this responsibility well and fairly, and is able to
show love and concern, he will be admired and respected. When such
a teacher canes a student, the student will realize thatis is because
the teacher cares. Not only will he regret his misbehavior, but he will respect
the teacher.
The
role of parents in training their children to be courteous and to respect
adults, must not be overlooked. How many parents these days respect their
children's teachers ? On top of that, many parents have become over protective.
Under such circumstances, how then do we expect students to respect their
teachers ?
There is no doubt that caning
is useful in changing behavior if it is properly implemented. However, it
should not be seen as panacea for disrespect for teachers and indiscipline
in schools. Misbehavior of students is not solely caused by the fact that
teachers are banned from using the cane. Therefore empowering teachers to cane
naughty children will not solve the problems. Parents, teachers and those
in authority should look at the root the problems and work from
there.
