The attitude of teachers towards the outlawing of corporal punishment in public primary schools in Kipkaren division, Nandi County, Kenya

Abstract

The abolishment of corporal punishment without finding effective alternative methods of managing behavior in pupils has led to indiscipline and conflicts in Kenyan primary schools. The specific objective of the study was to investigate teachers‟ attitude towards the outlawing of corporal punishment in primary schools in Nandi North district. The researcher also investigated the use of alternative methods, which teachers use instead of corporal punishment. The study sought to establish whether there is any influence of teachers‟ demographic data such as attitudes of teachers, gender, educational qualifications, teachers‟ age and teachers‟ experience and other alternative methods of discipline. The study was conducted in Kipkarren Division, Nandi County of Rift Valley Province. The population of the study comprised of primary school teachers in Nandi North district. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was 713 teachers in Kipkarren Division. The sample size were 217 teachers participated in the study The specific sample was selected through stratified sample random sampling techniques whereby schools were grouped according to their various characteristics and participating schools picked randomly by lottery method to ensure equal chances of participation with the selected schools. Data was collected by use of closed-ended questionnaire and interview schedules. Data was then analyzed by use of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test whether there is an influence of teachers‟ gender, age and educational qualification and experience on attitudes towards the outlawing of corporal punishment in Nandi North district primary schools. Results of the study showed that teachers had negative attitudes towards outlawing of corporal punishment in Nandi North primary schools. The results also showed that age, gender and teaching experience had significant influence on teachers‟ attitudes towards outlawing of corporal punishment in schools. Education level of teachers was not found to have any significant influence on teachers‟ attitudes towards outlawing of corporal punishment in schools. In view of the findings, the study recommends a need to create awareness on alternative methods to corporal punishment and also the overall effects of corporal punishment on the child.