Effectiveness of guidance and counselling as an alternative discipline method to corporal punishment: A case of Kirinyaga District primary schools, Kenya.

Abstract

The Kenyan Government outlawed corporal punishment as a means of instilling discipline in schools in 2001, and guidance and counselling was introduced as a best practice in its place. The culture of the use of corporal punishment is deep rooted in many communities around the world. However, efforts are being made to introduce alternative methods to corporal punishment (Save the Children, Sweden 2003). This research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the alternative positive methods to corporal punishment in primary schools in Kirinyaga District in Central Province of Kenya. The study used the survey research design in which the respondents were sampled from each of the three divisions of Kirinyaga District namely; Ndia, Gichugu and Mwea. The purposeful sampling was used and a sample size of 205 respondents was selected. The sample included, 5 officers from the Ministry of Education, 50 parents, 50 teachers and 100 pupils were selected for data collection. Tools of data collection used included the questionnaires and focus group discussion. The validity of the instruments was determined by the supervisor and pilot tested for reliability. The questionnaire was the main tool and had a reliability coefficient at alpha scale of 0.70. Qualitative data from focussed group discussions was compiled and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. By use of computer Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), quantitative data was organized, coded and percentages, means and cross tabulations calculated. Chi-square was employed to test whether there was relationship between those who support the use of corporal punishment and administration of physical punishment and their experience at youthful stage. The study found that any physical punishment is not taken as corporal punishment but as a form of disciplining a child. The study also found that guidance and counselling programmes are alternative methods to corporal punishment. The study may significantly enrich the advocacy towards the ban of the cane in schools, homes and other learning institutions. The study therefore recommended that the child care professionals in conjunction with the Ministry of Education should spearhead a campaign for child protection and sensitize the public that hurting children as a punishment is unacceptable and places them at risk of physical and psychological harm.