Abstract:
There is a direct correlation between (teacher) morale and (learner) discipline at
sch ool. Since the scrapping of corporal punishment, a sense of despair seems
to have taken over amongst teachers in South Africa. The findings of this study
indicated that more than 65% of teachers, out of a sample population of 80
respondents from scho ols located in B loem fon tein in the Free State, claimed that
discipline at schools had deteriorated, and that their passion for teaching and
the joy they had once found in their work had been adversely affected since the
decision had come in to effect. Amongst the many reasons for low morale, cited
by the teachers, lack of dis cip line was clearly the most prevalent and common
concern, and generally seemed to be attributed to the abolition of corporal
punishment. I explore this concern and its impact on overall teacher morale.
