No to Corporal Punishment for Discipline

By Suzanne Wagener

My husband and I have always wanted to live and work overseas, to enable us to experience a different culture, so after much research on the Internet and a trip to visit Korea, we decided that the opportunity to participate in the EPIK program was an ideal opportunity.

There are many cultural differences between Australia and Korea. As a foreigner, it is important to be aware of such differences. I have found that when you make the effort to recognize these differences and try to do ``the right’’ thing, you are always greeted with appreciation, and any mistakes that you make are overlooked.

However, the greatest difficulties faced have come about by not being able to speak the language. From simple things like not understanding the instructions on the computer or the washing machine, to constantly having to seek assistance to complete banking transactions and pay bills. This has led to lack of independence and privacy. Shopping has also proven to be an interesting exercise. However, at all times the people in the local community have been most helpful and have gone out of their way to give assistance.

EPIK is an ideal way to bring English to students. As more teachers participate and give feedback, the program will go from strength to strength. A greater focus at the elementary level of schooling, where students are keen to learn, and less at the high school level, where some students don’t see the value of continuing with English education, may be a better allocation of resources.

I have only experienced students at a boys’ middle school in Cheongju and I have found these students to be polite and, on most occasions, well behaved. I have used the strategy of focusing on good behavior ― and rewarding ``good English’’ has worked well. I have not had responsibility for implementing any discipline and I have struggled at times to watch boys receiving the ``cane’’ for infractions. I believe that teachers should be role models for their students and using corporal punishment for discipline seems to me to be condoning violence and bullying.

Suzanne Wagener is from Sydney, Australia, and has worked at schools in North Chungcheong Province. She can be reached at suzannewagener@hotmail.com