Teachers’ Cognition of Rewards and Punishments to Improve Discipline in the General Classrooms of Ghana: A case of Yiadom Boakye Demonstration Junior High School (JHS) in Berekum

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the use of rewards and punishment to improve discipline in Yiadom Boakye Demonstration Junior High School students (JHS) in Berekum of Ghana. A qualitative approach was adopted for the study. A case study research design was used to analyse the study. The population for the study consisted of all the eight (8) teachers in the Yiadom Boakye Demonstration Junior High School (JHS). A purposive sampling technique was used to select the eight teachers and school for the study. The main instrument used for the study was an interview. The study concluded that rewards and punishment lead to a change in the behaviours of the students affecting their academic performance their courses. The study also concluded that reward policies are needed in teaching to improve student learning by fostering enthusiasm in learning; it arouses students’ interest in learning, and change their personality traits and posture in class. The study revealed that a good punishment minimises bad behaviour, once is not having any bases on the student academic life, then it will not worsen the plight of his or her academic life. It is recommended that the colleges of education in Ghana should collaborate with Ghana Education Service and National Teaching Council to organise workshops and seminars on the use of rewards and punishments in the classroom situation.