CONTEXT AND CONTESTATIONS ON THE USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN ZIMBABWE’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The study focused on the contexts and contestations of corporal punishment in Zimbabwean schools. It was guided by the extinction principles of Skinner. A qualitative research method was adopted. It was achieved through an interpretive paradigm. A sample of fie teachers and five parents was purposively selected. Open ended questionnaires were administered to teachers whilst the one to one interviews were adopted to the parents. Findings revealed that corporal punishment is administered to correct unwanted or unbecoming behaviour. However, some participants also indicated that extinction principle does not totally eliminate bad behaviour. If wrongly applied it can bring bad results and can harm the pupils especially applying corporal punishment when one is angry. The researchers concluded there is need to adhere to the circulars that prohibit the use of corporal. This will ensure that both parents and the teachers are not found wanting by the law.