Description:
The general objective of the study was to examine teachers, students and parents’
perceptions on corporal punishment as a deterrent measure to indiscipline in Karatu
District Secondary Schools. The research study adopted a mixed method research design
whereby explanatory sequential mixed methods design was applied. The sample size was
168 respondents as teachers, head of schools, parents and students, who were randomly
stratified (proportionate), snowbally and purposefully selected. Questionnaires and
interview were used to collect data which was analysed both descriptively by use of
frequency tables and thematically coded. Findings indicated that corporal punishment
was used as a deterrent measure of indiscipline. The teachers, parents and students
perceptions on corporal punishment to exterminate indiscipline received mixed reactions
among students. Parents perceived that corporal punishment was able to correct
indiscipline if appropriately used. Teachers perceived that corporal punishment was easy
to use and changed behaviours very fast. Heads of schools perceived that corporal
punishment changed some behaviour and failed to change others. Lastly, the research
established some alternative measures to punishment such as manual work, and guidance
and counselling. This study concludes that both corporal punishment and alternative
measures are suitable for different setting and situation and those guidelines should be
used to administer the combination of the measures according to school and society. The
study recommends that policy on administering corporal punishment be expounded to
school administrators and give out both advantages and disadvantages of the same. Policy
of corporal punishment should also be provided to both teachers and parents because they
are also disciplinarians.