Don't hit students

I applaud those who wish to outlaw corporal punishment in Taiwanese schools.

In the your article ("Corporal punishment in schools a divisive issue," Oct. 7, page 2) Shih Ying (史英) is right: Corporal punishment injures students physically and mentally. Based on my seven years of teaching experience in Taiwan, I would also add that the only thing it teaches children is to fear. A complete ban on all forms of corporal punishment would not only ensure the safety of our children, but create a more positive environment for learning.

Hitting students provides a short-term solution, but can lead to long-term problems. Many children are hit because they do not perform well on tests. For some children, and even some entire classes, being hit is a regular occurrence. Eventually students become numb to the effects and no amount of hitting will motivate them. They may be left with no reason at all to study.

An alternative approach is to guide students by positively inspiring them.

This can be done through rewards for achievements, not punishments for failures. The best rewards for students are their teachers' attention and friendship. Students who have teachers that genuinely care about them want to please their teachers. They study hard and are rewarded with better grades and better relationships with their teachers. Teachers are also rewarded with the satisfaction of seeing their students make real progress.

Eventually, students who graduate under the dread of punishment feel only relief and have little desire to continue studying. Students who were positively inspired by their teachers look back fondly at their school years and look forward to continuing their education in school and in life.

I was never hit as a student, and I do not hit my students. I still enjoy learning and like to think I inspire my students to do the same. Banning corporal punishment will only make schools better places.

Nathan Lindberg
Changhua