Investigating the Impact of Ban on Corporal Punishments on Academic Performance of Pupils in Primary Schools in Atutur Sub-county, Kumi District
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Date
2025-09-18
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The ban on corporal punishment has created a gap in the management of indiscipline cases among pupils in primary schools and this has become a serious challenge to schools and their teachers but unfortunately, stakeholders within education system have not implemented alternative reforms to help addressed the problem. This study determined the effect of ban on corporal punishment on the academic performance of pupils in primary schools in Atutur Sub County, Kumi district. The study was based on three objectives namely: 1) To identify the effects of ban on corporal punishment on pupil’s academic performance in primary schools in Atutur Sub County, Kumi district. 2) To determine the teacher's attitude towards the ban on corporal punishment in primary schools in Atutur Sub County, Kumi district and 3) To identify other alternatives to corporal punishments in primary schools in primary schools in Atutur Sub County, Kumi district. The study used qualitative research approach and a case study design of 25 participants who included the DEO, teachers and pupils of upper classes were interviewed. Data was collected from participants using interview method. The findings of the study show that ban on corporal punishment have led to increased school violence orchestrated by pupils and diminishing overall learner interests. Findings show that teachers indirectly use corporal punishment without management knowledge and they still support use corporal punishment in schools and teachers are requesting reinstatement of use corporal punishment as pupils are becoming unruly on top of being are unhappy about the ban on corporal punishment and fear that it will result in students becoming more aggressive. Further, findings of the study show that developing effective student assessment and supervision strategies and undertaking transparent discipline management and referral is an alternative to corporal punishment also increasing teacher competency through in-service teacher training will address issues that require to corporal punishment and teachers should have a high level of basic human attributes, a higher empathic ability and understanding. The study recommended that government and stakeholders should support discipline management issues in schools including supporting of capacity building initiatives of school management so that they can be able to combat indiscipline and undertake discipline referrals other than relying on corporal punishment and also, in conjunction with school authorities should enforce school rules and regulations transparently and implement a range of alternative measures to corporal punishment