Corporal Punishment in Schools
Introduction
Corporal punishment is any reprimand that includes using physical force to cause discomfort or pain. Many schools in developed and developing countries have embraced corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure. Some countries have put various measures to regulate corporal punishment in schools by outlining acceptable corporal punishments that can be used to instill discipline among students based on the offense that a student commits and the severity of the punishment, but most countries have not yet considered regulation. Therefore, there are concerns about the safety and psychological health of students in countries where corporal punishment is not regulated. In addition, although corporal punishment may be effective in reforming the behavior of learners to enhance discipline and obedience, it violates children’s rights, creates a hostile learning environment for learners, leading to poor academic performance and psychological issues, and does not offer a long-term positive impact on the student’s behaviors. Our assignment writing services will allow you to attend to more important tasks as our experts handle your task.
Main Arguments
Students who are exposed to corporal punishment develop various psychological issues. According to Penev (2021), corporal punishment is among the factors contributing to sadness, anger, anxiety, and embarrassment among students. For example, students punished in front of other learners may feel embarrassed, sad, or angry, leading to stress. Corporal punishment is also linked to changes in neurodevelopmental pathways, leading to an increase in depression and anxiety. When students are exposed to corporal punishment, they become more sensitive to their mistakes resulting in an increase in anxiety. Another psychological issue caused by corporal punishment is mood disorder. According to Lenta (2017), corporal punishment creates emotional instability that could prolong for a long time in a person’s life. Therefore, corporal punishment in schools may have a permanent negative impact on a student’s psychological well-being.
Corporal punishment is also a leading cause of reduced academic performance. According to Cuartas et al. (2020), one of the main impacts of corporal punishment among students is reduced cognitive ability. Cognitive ability plays a vital role in a student’s academic performance. Shi & Qu (2021) argue that cognitive ability impacts an individual’s selective attention, reasoning ability, and short-term memory. Students with short-term memory, reduced selective attention, and poor reasoning perform poorly. The stress and depression caused by corporal punishment may cause reduced cognitive ability, especially among students who are constantly punished. Corporal punishment also leads to poor academic performance by increasing absenteeism. Students may refuse to go to school or fail to attend some classes because of the fear of being punished, leading to high absenteeism. Absenteeism may also emerge if a student is embarrassed or angry for being punished in front of other students. Corporal punishment also makes students develop a negative attitude toward learning because they feel like they are being forced to perform well. Therefore, corporal punishment disadvantages some students by reducing their interest in learning, attendance, and cognitive ability.
Corporal punishment should be banned because it violates children’s rights. According to Human Rights Watch (2008), corporal punishment infringes the globally documented human rights to freedom from degrading, insensitive, and cruel punishment or treatment and the freedom from physical harm. Corporal punishment may also violate a child’s right to education when the child drops out of school because of constant physical punishment from teachers. In some instances, corporal punishment, especially in schools in developing countries, has resulted in physical harm to the student, such as broken arms and scars, thus raising concerns about the inhumane treatment of students. Unfortunately, many cases are not reported because students fear that reporting the teacher could lead to more physical punishment when they get back to school. In some cases, teachers bribe parents to avoid legal issues, thus making it hard to protect children from extreme physical punishment in the learning environment, especially in boarding schools where students may not have a way of contacting their parents when the incident occurs. Therefore, corporal punishment should be banned worldwide to protect children’s rights and create a safe learning environment for students.
The positive impacts of corporal punishment are short-term, and the negative effects are long-term, thus placing students at a disadvantage. According to Morin (2014), corporal punishment may result in immediate compliance, but the behavioral changes are short-term. For example, a student may comply with the school’s regulations because of the fear of physical punishment, but the fear creates stress and anxiety, which may harm their psychological health. Corporal punishment also increases the risk of developing aggressive behavior, which the student may express outside the learning environment. The positive impacts of corporal punishment may also be short-term when the teacher using physical punishment to instill obedience and discipline among students is transferred to another school. Therefore, corporal punishment is not a reliable disciplinary method for creating long-term positive behavioral changes.
Counterarguments
Corporal punishment is effective in instilling obedience and discipline among students. According to Peru & Nam (2015), corporal punishment in schools enhances the students’ discipline by generating respect and responsibility. For example, students develop respect for authority because they fear being physically punished by the teachers for failing to obey their commands. The fear of physical pain motivates students not to repeat an offense, which leads to high discipline levels. Students also develop respect for each other by following the regulations set by the school’s management, which leads to a sense of responsibility. Corporal punishment also instills discipline among students by correcting bad behavior. Teachers can adjust the level of corporal punishment based on the student’s offense and response to physical punishment. For example, they may consider using mild punishment such as spanking and pinching when punishing a student who commits an offense for the first time and consider extreme physical punishment if the student is defiant. However, it is essential to get authorization from parents when using harsh physical punishment such as whipping.
Conclusion
Corporal punishment in schools is a sensitive issue that requires considering the long-term impacts of the punishment on learners rather than the short-term impacts which only favor the school. For example, instilling obedience and discipline makes it easier for the teachers to maintain a healthy relationship with learners and creates a good reputation for a school, but the fear and stress caused by the physical punishment used to achieve the required discipline levels among students have a long-term impact on the student’s psychological health. Corporal punishment in schools also infringes critical human rights that protect children against physical harm and inhumane treatment and reduce students’ academic performance. However, corporal punishment may be an effective way of deterring bad behavior and reforming students with destructive behaviors. Although promoting good behavior among students is essential in helping them coexist with one another and the community, the negative impacts of corporal punishment outweigh the benefits. Therefore, corporal punishment should be banned in all schools worldwide.
References
Cuartas, J., McCoy, D. C., Grogan-Kaylor, A., & Gershoff, E. (2020). Physical punishment as a predictor of early cognitive development: Evidence from econometric approaches. Developmental Psychology, 56(11), 2013-2026. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001114
Human Rights Watch. (2008). A violent education: Corporal punishment of children in US public schools: XI. Banning corporal punishment: International human rights law and US constitutional standards. Human Rights Watch | Defending Human Rights Worldwide. https://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/us0808/11.htm
Lenta, P. (2017). The benefits and costs of corporal punishment. Corporal Punishment, 18-64. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315114101-2
Morin, A. (2014, September 15). Facts about corporal punishment. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/facts-about-corporal-punishment-1094806
Penev, E. (2021). Corporal Punishment: A Harmful and Ineffective Discipline Strategy. The Lion’s Pride, 14.
Peru, & Nam, V. (2015). Corporal Punishment in Schools Longitudinal Evidence from Ethiopia, India. UNICEF. https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/CORPORAL%20PUNISHMENTfinal.pdf
Shi, Y., & Qu, S. (2021). Cognition and academic performance: Mediating role of personality characteristics and psychology health. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/
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Question 
ENG 1
UNIT 4
Touchstone 4: Argumentative Essay
ASSIGNMENT: Write a 4-6 page (approximately 1000-1500 words) argumentative essay using the classical model supported by evidence and research.
Sample Argumentative Essay
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0, and you will be given one attempt to redo the Touchstone.
Corporal Punishment in Schools
A. Instructions
Remember the word “argument” does not mean a fight in a writing context. An academic argument is more like a thoughtful conversation between two people with differing viewpoints on a debatable issue. However, you are required to take a position on one side of the issue.
In order to foster learning and growth, all essays you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any recycled work will be sent back with a 0, and you will be given one attempt to redo the touchstone.
Your submission must include an APA-style reference page following the essay. In your research, you will need 2-4 credible primary or secondary sources to use as support in your essay.
On a separate page, below your reference page, include thoughtful answers to the Think About Your Writing questions. References and Think About Your Writing questions are NOT included in the word count for this essay.
B. Think About Your Writing
Below your reference page, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
1. What have you learned about how to present a strong argument? How could/will you apply this knowledge in your professional or everyday life (3-4 sentences)? Sophia says: Think about the specific skills and techniques that you used while developing and writing your essay. What tools will you take with you from this experience?
2. Consider the English Composition I course as a whole. What have you learned about yourself as a writer (5-6 sentences)? Sophia says: What did you learn that surprised you? Is there anything that you have struggled with in the past that you now feel more confident about?
C. Argumentative Essay Guidelines
Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your research essay until it meets these guidelines.
Argumentative Topic and Thesis Statement
❒ Have you included a thesis that takes a clear, specific position on one side of a debatable issue?
Argument Development
❒ Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay?
❒ Is the argument supported using rhetorical appeals and source material?
❒ Is your essay 4-6 pages (approximately 1000-1500 words)? If not, which details do you need to add or delete?
Research
❒ Have you cited outside sources effectively using quotation, summary, or paraphrase?
❒ Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and context for the source information?
❒ Have you referenced a range of 2-4 credible sources?
❒ Have you included an APA style reference page below your essay?
Organization and Flow
❒ Is there an introduction, conclusion, adequate body paragraphs, and a counterargument?
❒ Is the argument presented in a logical order and easy for the reader to follow?
❒ Are there transitions within and between paragraphs?
Style
❒ Are the word choices accurate and effective?
❒ Are the sentence structures varied?
Conventions and Formatting
❒ Have you properly cited your sources according to APA style guidelines?
❒ Have you double-checked for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, formatting, and capitalization?
❒ Have you proofread for typos?
Before You Submit
❒ Have you answered all of the Think About Your Writing questions on a separate page below your reference page? Are your answers thoughtful and include insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses?
❒ Does your submission include your essay, followed by your reference page, followed by your Think About Your Writing questions?
D. Rubric
Advanced (100%) Proficient (85%) Acceptable (75%) Needs Improvement (50%) Non-Performance (0%)
Argumentative Topic and Thesis Statement (5 points)
Take a clear position on a debatable topic.
Includes an argumentative thesis that takes a well-articulated, clear, specific position on one side of a debatable issue. Includes an argumentative thesis that takes a clear, specific position on one side of a debatable issue. Includes an argumentative thesis that takes a clear position on one side of a debatable issue; however, it lacks specificity. Includes an argumentative thesis on a debatable topic; however, it lacks specificity and/or does not take a clear position. Does not include a thesis, includes a thesis that does not take a position, and/or the topic is not debatable.
Argument Development and Support (20 points)
Have a clear argument on a debatable topic and sufficient support
Details are highly relevant and clearly support the argument of the essay. Argument is thoroughly developed; the argument is consistently and effectively supported using rhetorical appeals and source material. Details are relevant and support the argument of the essay. Argument is well developed; the argument is supported using rhetorical appeals and source material. Details are predominantly relevant and generally support the argument, though some details may be irrelevant and/or distracting. Argument is not fully developed; the argument is supported by rhetorical appeals and source material; however, some aspects of the argument or support are neglected. Details are often irrelevant and frequently distract from the argument of the essay. Argument is poorly developed; there is little evidence of rhetorical appeals and/or source material support. Details are irrelevant and distract from the argument. Argument is not developed and/or the composition is not argumentative.
Organization (20 points)
Exhibit competent organization and writing techniques.
Includes all of the required components of an argumentative research paper, including an introduction with relevant and engaging background information and an argumentative thesis, an adequate number of body paragraphs each with a topic sentence, a body paragraph addressing counterargument(s), and a conclusion with a concluding statement. Includes all of the required components of an argumentative research paper, including an introduction with background information, an argumentative thesis, an adequate number of body paragraphs each with a topic sentence, a body paragraph addressing counterargument(s), and a conclusion with a concluding statement. Includes nearly all of the required components of an argumentative research paper; however, one component is missing. Includes most of the required components of an argumentative research paper, but is lacking two components. Sequence ideas and paragraphs such that the connections between ideas (within and between paragraphs) are sometimes unclear and the reader may have difficulty following the progression of the argument. Lacks several or all of the components of an argumentative research paper. Sequences ideas and paragraphs such that the connections between ideas (within and between paragraphs) are often unclear and the reader has difficulty following the progression of the argument.
Flow (10 points)
Establish and maintain a logical flow.
Sequences ideas and paragraphs logically and uses smooth transitions (within and between paragraphs) such that the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas. Sequences ideas and paragraphs logically and uses transitions (within and between paragraphs) such that the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas. Primarily sequences ideas and paragraphs logically and uses sufficient transitions (within and between paragraphs) such that the reader can generally follow the progression of ideas. The progression of ideas is often difficult to follow, due to poor sequencing, ineffective transitions, and/or insufficient transitions. The progression of ideas is consistently difficult to follow, due to poor sequencing and lack of transitions.
Research (10 points)
Incorporate sources through effective quotations, paraphrases, and summaries.
Incorporates sources smoothly and effectively through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. References 2-4 credible primary or secondary sources. Primarily incorporates sources effectively through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. References 2-4 credible primary or secondary sources. Acceptably incorporates sources through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. References 2-4 credible primary or secondary sources. Generally incorporates sources through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. References 2-4 primary or secondary sources, but some sources may not be effective or appropriate for the essay’s argument. Does not reference sources and/or sources are not credible or appropriate.
Style (10 points)
Establish a consistent, informative tone and make thoughtful stylistic choices.
Demonstrates thoughtful and effective word choices, avoids redundancy and imprecise language, and uses a wide variety of sentence structures. Demonstrates effective word choices, primarily avoids redundancy and imprecise language, and uses a variety of sentence structures. Demonstrates generally effective style choices, but may include occasional redundancies, imprecise language, poor word choice, and/or repetitive sentence structures. Frequently includes poor word choices, redundancies, imprecise language, and/or repetitive sentence structures. Excessively demonstrates poor word choices, redundancies, imprecise language, and/or repetitive sentence structures.
Conventions (10 points)
Follow conventions for standard English.
There may be a few negligible errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and usage. There are occasional minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and usage. There are some significant errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and usage. There are frequent significant errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and usage. There are consistent significant errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting, and usage.
Formatting (10 points)
Execute formatting according to requirements.
Consistently adheres to APA formatting requirements for in-text citations and the References page. Primarily adheres to APA formatting requirements for in-text citations and the References page, such that formatting errors are minimal. Adequately adheres to APA formatting requirements for in-text citations and the References page, such that formatting errors are occasional. Inadequately adheres to APA formatting requirements for in-text citations and the References page, such that formatting errors are common. Does not adhere to APA formatting requirements for in-text citations and the References page, such that formatting errors are pervasive.
Think About Your Writing (5 points)
Reflect on progression and development throughout the course.
Demonstrates thoughtful reflection; consistently includes insights, observations, and/or examples in all responses. Answers all reflection questions effectively, following or exceeding response length guidelines. Demonstrates thoughtful reflection; includes multiple insights, observations, and/or examples. Answers all reflection questions effectively, following response length guidelines. Primarily demonstrates thoughtful reflection, but some responses are lacking in detail or insight. Answers all reflection questions, primarily following response length guidelines. Shows limited reflection; the majority of responses are lacking in detail or insight. Answers reflection questions inadequately: may not answer all of the questions and/or may not follow response length guidelines. Does not answer the majority of reflection questions or the majority of answers do not follow response length guidelines.
E. Requirements
The essay should be 4-6 pages (approximately 1000-1500 words in length
Argumentative Essay Guidelines must be followed or submission will not be graded
Double-space the essay and use 1-inch margins
Use a readable 12-point font
All writing must be appropriate for an academic context
Composition must be original and written for this assignment
Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited
Submission should include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition
Your submission must include the essay, reference page, and your answers to the rlefection questions
Submit a single file only, including all assignment components
Acceptable file formats include .doc and .docx.
F. Additional Resources
The following resources will be helpful to you as you work on this assignment:
Purdue Online Writing Lab’s APA Formatting and Style Guide
This site includes a comprehensive overview of APA style, as well as individual pages with guidelines for specific citation types.
Frequently Asked Questions About APA Style
This page on the official APA website addresses common questions related to APA formatting. The “References,” “Punctuation,” and “Grammar and Writing Style” sections will be the most useful to your work in this course.
APA Style: Quick Answers—References
This page on the official APA Style website provides numerous examples of reference list formatting for various source types.
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