Preface to special edition on learner discipline problems in schools

Connie B Zulu,Charl C Wolhuter

doi:10.4102/koers.v78i3.2153

Abstract

Learner misconduct in public schools continues to be a source of problems for teachers, principals and parents. It is of grave concern to educationalists nationally and internationally. Its persistence, despite all efforts to curb it, presents a serious challenge to the existence of a future society built upon sound moral, cultural and Christian values. This special edition of Koers - Bulletin for Christian Scholarship on learner misconduct in public schools centres on current local and international debates on learner misconduct. It provides a forum for educationalists, locally and internationally, to engage with this issue from a multidisciplinary perspective, not just in a general way but in a deeper and more profound manner. In essence, the articles in this issue concern themselves not only with the state of learner discipline in public schools but also with the Christian perspective as a lens through which to view this problem. Whilst the articles aim to provide readers with a broad array of perspectives on learner misconduct, the principle of positive discipline is foregrounded in the arguments.

Highlights

& Wolhuter, C.C., 2013, ‘Preface to special edition on learner discipline problems in schools’, Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship 78(3), Art
Oosthuizen, Wolhuter and Zulu, in their article entitled ‘An investigation into disciplinary methods used by teachers in secondary township schools in South Africa’, probe the incidence of discipline problems amongst learners and their effect on teachers
Van der Walt and Potgieter’s article ‘The image of the teacher held by learners from 10 different countries: A new perspective on the causes of learner discipline problems’ reports on research that investigated the image of teachers held by school learners and how that image can contribute towards disrespect for teachers and be one of the factors behind the incidence of learners’ disciplinary problems

Summary

Introduction

& Wolhuter, C.C., 2013, ‘Preface to special edition on learner discipline problems in schools’, Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship 78(3), Art. Note: C.B. Zulu and C.C. Wolhuter were the guest editors of the ‘Learner misconduct in public schools’ special issue of Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship.

Results

Conclusion