MANAGEMENT OF STUDENTS’ DISCIPLINE IN THE POST CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ERA IN UGANDA SECONDARY SCHOOLS - NORTHERN REGION
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: To examine how secondary school educators managed student discipline in the post-corporal punishment era in Uganda.
Statement of the Problem: The persistence of learner injuries and challenges in discipline management in Ugandan schools underscores the need for alternative approaches post-corporal punishment abolition.
Methodology: The study employed a qualitative case study design, purposively selecting 16 respondents, including 12 teachers and 4 head teachers from four schools. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed thematically.
Findings: The study found that discipline is managed as a system through procedures like implementing a discipline code, consultation, counseling, effective communication, and creating a safe school environment. These practices aim to address inappropriate behaviors constructively.
Recommendations: The study recommends empathetic discipline management and training educators in alternative approaches like guidance and counseling.
Keywords: management, discipline, corporal punishment, era, secondary school.
References
Aldridge, J. M., Fraser, B. J., Fozdar, F., Ala’i, K., Earnest, J., & Afari, E. (2016). Students’ perceptions of school climate as determinants of wellbeing, resilience and identity. Improving Schools, 19(1), 5–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480215612616
Peters, J. (2009). First Year Pre-service Teachers ’ Learning about Behaviour Management Full paper for refereeing prepared for : AARE Conference , Canberra First Year Pre-service Teachers ’ Learning about Behaviour Management.
Peters, J. (2012). Are they ready? Final year pre-service teachers’ learning about managing student behaviour. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37(9), 18–42. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2012v37n9.2
Aboagye, E. T. (2019). Corporal Punishment as a Strategy for Managing Behaviour: Perspectives of Children of Inclusive Schools in Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 8(8), 105–115. https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2019/v8/i8/aug19061
Afari, E. (2015). Improving Schools Students ’ perceptions of school climate as determinants of wellbeing , resilience and identity. Improving Schools, 1(November-22). https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480215612616
Aldridge, J. M., Mcchesney, K., & Afari, E. (2019). Associations between the school climate and student life satisfaction : Resilience and bullying as mediating factors (Issue September).
Aldrup, K., Klusmann, U., Lüdtke, O., Göllner, R., & Trautwein, U. (2018a). Student misbehavior and teacher well-being : Testing the mediating role of the teacher-student relationship. Learning and Instruction, 58(May 2017), 126–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.05.006
Aldrup, K., Klusmann, U., Lüdtke, O., Göllner, R., & Trautwein, U. (2018c). Student misbehavior and teacher well-being: Testing the mediating role of the teacher-student relationship. Learning and Instruction, 58(May), 126–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.05.006
Alsubaie, M. A. (2015). Educational Leadership and Common Discipline Issues of Elementary School Children and How to Deal with Them. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(13), 88–93. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1080448&site=ehost-live
Amoah, S. A., Kwofie, I., & Kwofie, F. A. A. (2015). The School Counsellor and Students’ Career Choice in High School: The Assessor’s Perspective in a Ghanaian Case. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(23), 57–65.
Ampeire, K. H., Kemeri, J. B., & Mugizi, W. (2022). Headteachers ’ Leadership Practices and Students ’ Discipline in Government Aided Secondary Schools in Bushenyi-Ishaka. 4, 44–59. https://doi.org/10.51986/ijer-2022.vol4.04
Anyon, Y., Jenson, J. M., Altschul, I., Farrar, J., Mcqueen, J., Greer, E., Downing, B., & Simmons, J. (2014). Children and Youth Services Review The persistent effect of race and the promise of alternatives to suspension in school discipline outcomes. Children and Youth Services Review, 44, 379–386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.06.025
Bechuke, L. and Debella, R. (2012). Applying, Choice theory and fostering discipline: Managing and modifying challenging learners` behaviors in South african schools. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2(22), 240–255.
Caldarella, P., Williams, L., Hansen, B. D., & Wills, H. (2015). Managing Student Behavior with Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams: An Observational Study in Early Elementary Classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 43(5), 357–365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-014-0664-3
Dawadi, S. (2020). Thematic Analysis Approach : A Step by Step Guide for ELT Research Practitioners. Journal of Nelta, 25(1–2).
Dupper, D. R., & Montgomery Dingus, A. E. (2009). Corporal punishment in U.S. public schools: A continuing challenge for school social workers. In D. R. Dupper (Ed.), Children and schools (13th ed., Vol. 30, Issue 4, pp. 243–250). ville, TN; e-mail: dduppcr(^titk.edu. https://doi.org/10.1093/cs/30.4.243
Galvin, P., Nash, J., & Miller, A. (2019). Behaviour and Discipline in Schools. Behaviour and Discipline in Schools, February. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315068398
George.(2017). (2017). Discipline : Effective School Practices. In National Assoiation of schoool psychology.
Greene, R. W. (2018). Transforming School Discipline : Shifting from power and control to collaboration and problem solving. Childhood Education, 4056. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2018.1494430
Haroun, R., & Hanlon, C. O. (2006). Do Teachers and Students Agree in their Perception of What School Discipline Is ? Do Teachers and Students Agree in their Perception of What School Discipline Is ? Educational Review ISSN:, 1911(4), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/0013191970490303
Jean-Pierre, J., & Parris, S. (2019). Alternative School Discipline Principles and Interventions: an Overview of the Literature. McGill Journal of Education, 53(3), 414–433. https://doi.org/10.7202/1058410ar
Jean-pierre, J., & Parris, S. (2023). Alternative school discipline principles and interventions : an overview of the literature les principes et les interventions de discipline scolaire alternative : une recension des écrits and interventions : an overview of the. McGill Journal of Education, 53(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7202/1058410ar
Jonah, N. K. (2015). Investigating policy implications for the abolition of corporal punishment in secondary schools in Kenya. International Journal of Educational Administration and Policy Studies, 7(3), 72–82. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijeaps2009.080
Kahraman, H., Köybaşı, F., & Uğurlu, C. T. (2022). Perception of Safe School in Turkey: Opinions of Parents, Students and Teachers. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 17(2), 266–290. https://doi.org/10.29329/epasr.2022.442.12
Klem, A. M., & Connell, J. P. (2004). Relationships Matter : Linking Teacher Support to Student Engagement and Achievement. Journal of School Health, 74(7), 27–34.
Manoj Praveen G. & AnoopThomas Alex. (2018). CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: A THEORETICAL OVERVIEW. Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language., 6/29(1967), 8090–8102.
Mishra, R., & Arora, D. (2021a). Identification of Classroom Behaviors among the School going Children with a view to Develop a Guideline on Management of Indiscipline Behaviors. A Journal of Health Professions, 11(2,2021). https://doi.org/(Journal): 10.37591/RRJoHP
Musa, M., & Martha, A. A. (2020). School Management Mechanisms and Control of Discipline among Pupils in Primary Schools: An Analysis of Discipline in Upper Primary Level. Anatolian Journal of Education, 5(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2020.511a
Nduhura, T., & Natamba, S. (2022a). Examining Head Teachers ’ administrative Practices and Students ’ Discipline in Africa : Empirical Studies among Selected Secondary Schools of Ntungamo Examining Head Teache rs ’ administrative Practices and Students ’ Discipline in Africa : Empirical Stu. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR), 6(6-June).
Onyango, P. A. (2016). Alternative Corrective Measures Used in Managing Student Behavior Problems in Secondary Schools in Bondo Sub County , Alternative Corrective Measures Used in Managing Student Behavior Problems in Secondary Schools in Bondo Sub County , Kenya. Mediterranean Journal of Social Science, 7 No1(January 2016). https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p527
Onyango. (2016). Alternative Corrective Measures Used in Managing Student Behavior Problems in Secondary Schools in Bondo Sub County , Kenya. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7(1), 527–537. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p527
Payne, A. L. (2021). Qualitative research methods: Case study methodology website. Reseach Gate, December 2020.
Payne, R. (2015). Using rewards and sanctions in the classroom: pupils’ perceptions of their own responses to current behaviour management strategies. Educational Review, 67(4), 483–504. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2015.1008407
Praveen, M. ., & Alex, T. A. (2017). Classroom Management: a Theoretical Overview. Journal for Humanity Science and English Language, 6(29), 8089–8102.
Rampa, S. H. (2014). Discipline in Schools : Assessing the Positive Alternative Invitational Discipline Approach. World Journal of Education, 4(4), 20–29. https://doi.org/10.5430/wje.v4n4p20
Sadik, F. (2018). Children and Discipline: Investigating Secondary School Students’ Perception of Discipline through Metaphors. European Journal of Educational Research, 7(1), 31–44. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.7.1.31
Sadik, F., & Yalcin, O. (2018). Examination of the Views of High School Teachers and Students with Regard to Discipline Perception and Discipline Problems. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 6(2), 97. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v6i2.2715
Sandra. (2018). School Discipline and Disruptive Classroom Behavior: The Moderating Effects of Student Perceptions. The Sociological Quarterly, 52(3), 346–375. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1533-8525.2011.01210.x
Schultz-Jones, B., Farabough, M., & Hoyt, R. (2021). Towards Consensus on the School Library Learning Environment: A Systematic Search and Review. IASL Annual Conference Proceedings, 406–424. https://doi.org/10.29173/iasl7471
Sibanda, L. (2016). Implementation of Guidance and Counseling As a Positive Discipline Management Strategy in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Secondary Schools Implementation of Guidance and Counseling As a Positive Discipline Management Strategy in Bulawayo Metropolitan Prov. Reseach Gate, 47(3), 191–205.
Ssenyonga, J., Magoba, C., & Hecker, T. (2019). Prevalence of family violence and mental health and their relation to peer victimization : A representative study of adolescent students in Southwestern Uganda. Child Abuse and Neglect, 98. https://doi.org/104194 https://org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.10419
Temitayo, O., Nayaya, M. A., & Lukman, A. A. (2014). Management of Disciplinary Problems Management of Disciplinary Problems in Secondary Schools : Jalingo. Global Journal of HUMAN SOCIAL SCIENCE Linguistics & Education, 13(14), 5–11.
Vani. (2017). (2017). The Fight : Discipline and Race in Inner-City Public Charter High School. American Academy of Political and Social Science, 673(September), 2–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002716217725508
Yin, R. K. (2015). Case Study Research Design and Methods (5th ed.) . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 282 pages. (University, Vol. 1, Issue 2014, pp. 108–110). Robert K. Yin. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.30.1.10
Peters, J. (2009). First Year Pre-service Teachers ’ Learning about Behaviour Management Full paper for refereeing prepared for : AARE Conference , Canberra First Year Pre-service Teachers ’ Learning about Behaviour Management.
Peters, J. (2012). Are they ready? Final year pre-service teachers’ learning about managing student behaviour. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37(9), 18–42. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2012v37n9.2
Aboagye, E. T. (2019). Corporal Punishment as a Strategy for Managing Behaviour: Perspectives of Children of Inclusive Schools in Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 8(8), 105–115. https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2019/v8/i8/aug19061
Afari, E. (2015). Improving Schools Students ’ perceptions of school climate as determinants of wellbeing , resilience and identity. Improving Schools, 1(November-22). https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480215612616
Aldridge, J. M., Mcchesney, K., & Afari, E. (2019). Associations between the school climate and student life satisfaction : Resilience and bullying as mediating factors (Issue September).
Aldrup, K., Klusmann, U., Lüdtke, O., Göllner, R., & Trautwein, U. (2018a). Student misbehavior and teacher well-being : Testing the mediating role of the teacher-student relationship. Learning and Instruction, 58(May 2017), 126–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.05.006
Aldrup, K., Klusmann, U., Lüdtke, O., Göllner, R., & Trautwein, U. (2018c). Student misbehavior and teacher well-being: Testing the mediating role of the teacher-student relationship. Learning and Instruction, 58(May), 126–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.05.006
Alsubaie, M. A. (2015). Educational Leadership and Common Discipline Issues of Elementary School Children and How to Deal with Them. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(13), 88–93. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1080448&site=ehost-live
Amoah, S. A., Kwofie, I., & Kwofie, F. A. A. (2015). The School Counsellor and Students’ Career Choice in High School: The Assessor’s Perspective in a Ghanaian Case. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(23), 57–65.
Ampeire, K. H., Kemeri, J. B., & Mugizi, W. (2022). Headteachers ’ Leadership Practices and Students ’ Discipline in Government Aided Secondary Schools in Bushenyi-Ishaka. 4, 44–59. https://doi.org/10.51986/ijer-2022.vol4.04
Anyon, Y., Jenson, J. M., Altschul, I., Farrar, J., Mcqueen, J., Greer, E., Downing, B., & Simmons, J. (2014). Children and Youth Services Review The persistent effect of race and the promise of alternatives to suspension in school discipline outcomes. Children and Youth Services Review, 44, 379–386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.06.025
Bechuke, L. and Debella, R. (2012). Applying, Choice theory and fostering discipline: Managing and modifying challenging learners` behaviors in South african schools. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2(22), 240–255.
Caldarella, P., Williams, L., Hansen, B. D., & Wills, H. (2015). Managing Student Behavior with Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams: An Observational Study in Early Elementary Classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 43(5), 357–365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-014-0664-3
Dawadi, S. (2020). Thematic Analysis Approach : A Step by Step Guide for ELT Research Practitioners. Journal of Nelta, 25(1–2).
Dupper, D. R., & Montgomery Dingus, A. E. (2009). Corporal punishment in U.S. public schools: A continuing challenge for school social workers. In D. R. Dupper (Ed.), Children and schools (13th ed., Vol. 30, Issue 4, pp. 243–250). ville, TN; e-mail: dduppcr(^titk.edu. https://doi.org/10.1093/cs/30.4.243
Galvin, P., Nash, J., & Miller, A. (2019). Behaviour and Discipline in Schools. Behaviour and Discipline in Schools, February. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315068398
George.(2017). (2017). Discipline : Effective School Practices. In National Assoiation of schoool psychology.
Greene, R. W. (2018). Transforming School Discipline : Shifting from power and control to collaboration and problem solving. Childhood Education, 4056. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2018.1494430
Haroun, R., & Hanlon, C. O. (2006). Do Teachers and Students Agree in their Perception of What School Discipline Is ? Do Teachers and Students Agree in their Perception of What School Discipline Is ? Educational Review ISSN:, 1911(4), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/0013191970490303
Jean-Pierre, J., & Parris, S. (2019). Alternative School Discipline Principles and Interventions: an Overview of the Literature. McGill Journal of Education, 53(3), 414–433. https://doi.org/10.7202/1058410ar
Jean-pierre, J., & Parris, S. (2023). Alternative school discipline principles and interventions : an overview of the literature les principes et les interventions de discipline scolaire alternative : une recension des écrits and interventions : an overview of the. McGill Journal of Education, 53(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7202/1058410ar
Jonah, N. K. (2015). Investigating policy implications for the abolition of corporal punishment in secondary schools in Kenya. International Journal of Educational Administration and Policy Studies, 7(3), 72–82. https://doi.org/10.5897/ijeaps2009.080
Kahraman, H., Köybaşı, F., & Uğurlu, C. T. (2022). Perception of Safe School in Turkey: Opinions of Parents, Students and Teachers. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 17(2), 266–290. https://doi.org/10.29329/epasr.2022.442.12
Klem, A. M., & Connell, J. P. (2004). Relationships Matter : Linking Teacher Support to Student Engagement and Achievement. Journal of School Health, 74(7), 27–34.
Manoj Praveen G. & AnoopThomas Alex. (2018). CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: A THEORETICAL OVERVIEW. Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science & English Language., 6/29(1967), 8090–8102.
Mishra, R., & Arora, D. (2021a). Identification of Classroom Behaviors among the School going Children with a view to Develop a Guideline on Management of Indiscipline Behaviors. A Journal of Health Professions, 11(2,2021). https://doi.org/(Journal): 10.37591/RRJoHP
Musa, M., & Martha, A. A. (2020). School Management Mechanisms and Control of Discipline among Pupils in Primary Schools: An Analysis of Discipline in Upper Primary Level. Anatolian Journal of Education, 5(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2020.511a
Nduhura, T., & Natamba, S. (2022a). Examining Head Teachers ’ administrative Practices and Students ’ Discipline in Africa : Empirical Studies among Selected Secondary Schools of Ntungamo Examining Head Teache rs ’ administrative Practices and Students ’ Discipline in Africa : Empirical Stu. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR), 6(6-June).
Onyango, P. A. (2016). Alternative Corrective Measures Used in Managing Student Behavior Problems in Secondary Schools in Bondo Sub County , Alternative Corrective Measures Used in Managing Student Behavior Problems in Secondary Schools in Bondo Sub County , Kenya. Mediterranean Journal of Social Science, 7 No1(January 2016). https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p527
Onyango. (2016). Alternative Corrective Measures Used in Managing Student Behavior Problems in Secondary Schools in Bondo Sub County , Kenya. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7(1), 527–537. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p527
Payne, A. L. (2021). Qualitative research methods: Case study methodology website. Reseach Gate, December 2020.
Payne, R. (2015). Using rewards and sanctions in the classroom: pupils’ perceptions of their own responses to current behaviour management strategies. Educational Review, 67(4), 483–504. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2015.1008407
Praveen, M. ., & Alex, T. A. (2017). Classroom Management: a Theoretical Overview. Journal for Humanity Science and English Language, 6(29), 8089–8102.
Rampa, S. H. (2014). Discipline in Schools : Assessing the Positive Alternative Invitational Discipline Approach. World Journal of Education, 4(4), 20–29. https://doi.org/10.5430/wje.v4n4p20
Sadik, F. (2018). Children and Discipline: Investigating Secondary School Students’ Perception of Discipline through Metaphors. European Journal of Educational Research, 7(1), 31–44. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.7.1.31
Sadik, F., & Yalcin, O. (2018). Examination of the Views of High School Teachers and Students with Regard to Discipline Perception and Discipline Problems. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 6(2), 97. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v6i2.2715
Sandra. (2018). School Discipline and Disruptive Classroom Behavior: The Moderating Effects of Student Perceptions. The Sociological Quarterly, 52(3), 346–375. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1533-8525.2011.01210.x
Schultz-Jones, B., Farabough, M., & Hoyt, R. (2021). Towards Consensus on the School Library Learning Environment: A Systematic Search and Review. IASL Annual Conference Proceedings, 406–424. https://doi.org/10.29173/iasl7471
Sibanda, L. (2016). Implementation of Guidance and Counseling As a Positive Discipline Management Strategy in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Secondary Schools Implementation of Guidance and Counseling As a Positive Discipline Management Strategy in Bulawayo Metropolitan Prov. Reseach Gate, 47(3), 191–205.
Ssenyonga, J., Magoba, C., & Hecker, T. (2019). Prevalence of family violence and mental health and their relation to peer victimization : A representative study of adolescent students in Southwestern Uganda. Child Abuse and Neglect, 98. https://doi.org/104194 https://org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.10419
Temitayo, O., Nayaya, M. A., & Lukman, A. A. (2014). Management of Disciplinary Problems Management of Disciplinary Problems in Secondary Schools : Jalingo. Global Journal of HUMAN SOCIAL SCIENCE Linguistics & Education, 13(14), 5–11.
Vani. (2017). (2017). The Fight : Discipline and Race in Inner-City Public Charter High School. American Academy of Political and Social Science, 673(September), 2–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002716217725508
Yin, R. K. (2015). Case Study Research Design and Methods (5th ed.) . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. 282 pages. (University, Vol. 1, Issue 2014, pp. 108–110). Robert K. Yin. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.30.1.10
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Published
2025-01-15
How to Cite
Santo, O. ., Wilson, E. ., & Eduan, S. A. . (2025). MANAGEMENT OF STUDENTS’ DISCIPLINE IN THE POST CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ERA IN UGANDA SECONDARY SCHOOLS - NORTHERN REGION. African Journal of Emerging Issues, 7(1), 53–73. Retrieved from https://ajoeijournals.org/sys/index.php/ajoei/article/view/750
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