Student and Teacher Perception of Disciplinary Practices: Types, Reasons, Consequences and Alternatives

Abstract

Inculcating self-discipline is important for systematic pursuit of learning. Punishments involve employing a noxious or painful stimulus that generates a variety of problems and negative side effects to the child. Corporal punishments severely affect the human dignity of children. This study throws light on the various disciplinary practices adopted by the upper primary school teachers. Sample was 100 teachers and students each from schools of 2 districts of Kerala. Teachers are using undesirable disciplinary practices more than constructive disciplinary practices. Main consequences of disciplinary practices according to students are low self-esteem, feelings of shame, anger, sadness, fear, pain, tension, mental fatigue and hate towards teachers and subject.