Punishment Assignment.docx

Running head: Advantages and Disadvantages of Punishment

Advantages and Disadvantages of Punishment Victor M. Mbokola Kenyatta University EPS700 Introduction to Psychology Dr. Mwaniki

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Punishment

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Punishment is defined as the act of inflicting a consequence or penalty on someone as a result of their wrongdoing, or the consequence or the penalty itself (Your Dictionary). Punishments are common in school and the word is almost synonymous with the school environment. This paper will look briefly at the advantages and disadvantages of punishment to a student or an errant learner. As a student, one should at least face some form of punishment. A personal case that has remained memorable for me was in the form of corporal punishment. I was caned for every wrong answer I had given in a Mathematics assignment. I believe this may have contributed positively to my performance in mathematics but on the flip side I think it instilled fear in me. I worked hard not for my own good but instead not evade the possibility of being caned. This is not the best way to pass knowledge to a learner. Fear is by extension one of the disadvantages of punishment and specifically corporal punishment. Other disadvantages of punishment include the punishments becoming counterproductive in that the students stop being afraid of the punishment being meted (Frankie, n.d.). In this case punishment becomes ineffective and alternative measures besides punishment may have to be employed. Another disadvantage especially in the case of corporal punishment is the possibility of physically harming the learner. In some cases, such punishment has even resulted in death. Some people actually consider corporal punishment as child abuse and it is disallowed in many countries Kenya included. Punishment also has its positives. Firstly it fosters a good learning environment for learners by bringing a sense of control for learners. Students who act out in class can become a disruption to the learning experience (Sheahan, 2018). Another advantage is instill respect for authority among students (Sheahan, 2018). By recognizing punishment can be a consequence of

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bad behavior there is a sense of authority that is learnt. This however when stretched could result in fear which can easily be confused with respect for authority. These are just some of the advantages of punishment and not the only ones. Punishment has both positives and negatives. Punishment is something that should be done in moderation and with care just like the way prescriptions are given to patients. However, punishment sometimes has to be a bit sever. For instance, some of the students that have burnt schools in Kenya have ended up being subjected to court proceedings with a criminal perspective. In relation to punishment therefore, the severity of punishment should be proportional to the nature of offense. With this in mind, we can expect to get positive results from punishment. In conclusion, punishment is a good part of the learning process that can be of help to the learners but an areas that needs to be treaded with a lot of caution and care.

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References Frankie. (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporal Punishment. Retrieved from Hosbeg: https://hosbeg.com/advantages-disadvantages-corporal-punishment/ Sheahan, K. (2018, July 23). The Advantages of Punishment in the Classroom. Retrieved from Classroom: https://classroom.synonym.com/advantages-punishment-classroom8570426.html Your Dictionary. (n.d.). Punishment. Retrieved from Your Dictionary: http://www.yourdictionary.com/punishment