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Efficacy of Reinforcement as an Alternative to Corporal Punishment in Controlling Student Behaviour in Schools in Kenya

Disruptive student behavior is of concern to schools, teachers, students and the society at large as it adversely affects education. Teachers in Kenya resorted to handling this behaviour through non corporal punishment methods, as recommended by the government. Use of corporal punishment was banned in schools in the year 2001. The Basic Education Act, 2013 spells out that pupils should not be subjected to degrading or inhuman treatment in any manner, whether psychological or physical. Despite the fact that alternative methods were used in dealing with unruly student behavior, the tendencies to such behaviour persists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of reinforcement as an alternative method to corporal punishment in controlling unruly student behaviour in schools.

Questionnaires, Interview schedules and document analysis guides were used to collect data from teachers, Heads of Departments of Guidance and Counseling and Deputy Principals.
Findings established that reinforcement was significant in controlling unruly student behaviour, although some teachers did not think so. The study recommends the need to create awareness among teachers about the use of non-corporal methods in controlling student behaviour. The implementation of the recommendations are envisioned to lead to the realization of the 4th sustainable development goal which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The study concludes that reinforcement plays a key role in controlling student behaviour.

Keywords: Efficacy, Reinforcement, Controlling, Student Behavio

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