Corporal Punishment In The Classroom

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4. RIIINNNGGG!! The bell to begin the third period loudly sounded its warning. Tommy ran frantically to his class. He was late, and he knew what would be in store for him when he arrived. As he opened the door to the classroom, his teacher met him. "Thomas, you are late," he bellowed. "Step into the corridor with me," he continued. Tommy, with his head hung low responded, "Yes, sir," and followed the teacher into the hall. Both walked out of the room, the teacher with paddle in hand. Moments later, they returned, and Tommy, with tears welling in his eyes more from embarrassment than physical pain, took he seat. Are you from the old school? Did your teacher have a paddle and use it? Were you a member of the class which bought its new teacher …show more content…

The authors who define the term do not apply the same definition, several of the authors fail to make any attempt at defining. In his article "Classroom management and discipline alternatives to corporal punishment: the Norwegian example," Tom Jambor defines corporal punishment as . In "Spare the rod: A continuing controversy," Frank A. Johns and Robert H. MacNaughton say that, . Still other authors make a claim against the use ofcorporal punishment, but never say what corporal punishment is. How can one make an effective argument without establishing what, exactly, one is fighting against? Without a clearly defined term, the argument against the use of corporal punishment in schools is rendered ineffective. Unless the reader knows exactly what is being fought, the reader cannot make a firm decision to heed or to disregard the pleas of opponents to corporal …show more content…

What might the opponents do to strengthen their argument? First, many factors contribute to the reader 's perception and own opinion. Whether that reader ever received or witnessed a paddling has a big impact on the reader 's reaction to the use of corporal punishment. The reader 's own definition of corporal punishment also plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of the argument. If an author 's definition does not correspond with the reader 's, confusion can result and the message of the argument can be lost. In order to strengthen their argument, the opponents should agree upon one definition, and use it. Taking a stand and defending it firmly would also add to the believability of the

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