Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (February 17, 2010) Includes bibliographical references (p. 59-61)

This study set out to explore how teachers at a primary school in the Phoenix area in Durban manage discipline problems among learners. I employed a qualitative approach to collecting data. This facilitated meaning making from the data by considering the bigger picture and converting the raw empirical information into what is known in qualitative research as ‘thick description’. The two main methods used were observations and face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. A series of semi-structured interviews with probing questions for clarity were used extensively, with each interview lasting approximately 40 minutes. The sample size was five participants. Participants were teachers purposively chosen from the researched school, all of whom resided in the Phoenix district. Data analysis of the responses to the open-ended interview questions were categorised and were inductive in establishing themes through the process of coding. These themes were then organised into increasingly more meaningful units of knowledge. Three broad findings emerged. The first is that many teachers use a heavy handed approach to manage discipline problems among learners. The second is that other teachers used a softer, more ‘gentle’ approach in handling discipline problems. The third is that the school policy does not seem to have the desired effect in terms of assisting teachers to manage discipline problems. While I arrived at these findings from my observations as well as from the interviews with teachers, it should be pointed out that some teachers, who may have subscribed to ‘softer’ forms of discipline, might also occasionally use a ‘tougher’ approach. Furthermore, other teachers who were routinely ‘tough,’ might have a ‘soft side’ (at times). This study recommends that a sound understanding of the learners’ local context and backgrounds will equip teachers to formulate practical ways to manage discipline which will act as a guiding tool in eradicating the problems that originate from having to make decisions in the absence of a firm set of principles. An appropriate discipline system should be established by teachers of their own accord and engineered to suit their personalities and the realities of their learners, the community and the school. / Thesis (M.Ed)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The purpose of this study was a comparative analysis of the perceptions of parents and caregivers concerning appropriate discipline of young children enrolled in child care. A questionnaire, the Parent and Caregiver Perceptions Concerning Appropriate Discipline for Young Children Enrolled in Child Care Questionnaire (PCPQ), was designed by the researcher. Through the use of a Likert scale, respondents indicated their agreement or disagreement with statements derived from various discipline philosophies. This survey was distributed to the parents and caregivers of young children enrolled in 17 licensed child care facilities throughout the state of Indiana. Of the total sample, 1,963 persons, respondents included 592 parents and 312 caregivers. Diverse ages and educational levels were represented. Females represented the largest group of respondents. While most of the parents were married, the caregivers were evenly divided between single and married. The mean response for caregiver teaching experience was 4.57 years. Factor analysis resulted in three factors with reliability coefficients above .65. Of the 40 items on the survey, only four were eliminated from further analysis due to a lack of reliability. Factor I included items related to the Need for Discipline, Factor II was related to the Need for Consistency, and Factor III was related to the Need for Authority. The mean score for each factor was computed. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted at the .05 level of significance.Results1. There was a difference in the perceptions of parents and caregivers concerning appropriate discipline of young children enrolled in child care. The hypothesis, there is no difference in the perceptions of parents and caregivers concerning appropriate discipline of young children enrolled in child care, was rejected, F(3,674) _ 4.58, R = .003.2. Univariate F-tests were conducted to determine if the independent variable (parent or caregiver) differed on all three dependent variables (Factors I, II, or III) or on just one. The difference was primarily in Factor II, The Need for Consistency, F(1,676) = 5.75, p = .017. Parents and caregivers had similar perceptions regarding Factor I; they agreed with the need for discipline. Parents and caregivers did not have similar perceptions regarding Factor II; parents agreed and caregivers more strongly agreed with the need for consistency. Regarding Factor III, they had similar perceptions in that they sometimes agreed and they sometimes disagreed with the need for authority. / Department of Elementary Education

Thesis (M.E.)--Kutztown University, 1998. / Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-06, page: 2798. Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-51).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1983.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-105).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1983.

The study examined the relationships between various parental discipline styles and perceived powerlessness in antisocial adolescents. The literature on adolescent antisocial behavior frequently describes states of disaffection, alienation, and powerlessness as characteristic of the delinquent youth. The parent-child relationship is also frequently implicated as the significant precursor of antisocial behavior in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine if perception of control orientations function as cognitive mediators between perceived styles of parental discipline and subsequent behavior in adolescents. It was concluded, on the basis of the data obtained from this study, that antisocial adolescents do not perceive themselves to be more powerless than non-antisocial adolescents. It was recommended that caution should be exercised in applying such a label to those exhibiting antisocial patterns of behavior. It was also concluded that punishment applied in an unpredictable fashion may have detrimental effects on the development of female adolescents.

M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / This study would like to determine whether it is important to research discipline as such, before attempting to discipline a child. The question which must be answered is whether the parents' and teachers' education of a child is accepted as important when disciplining a child. A further reason for the study (research) is to accumulate information to help prepare future-teachers and to help parents to be more effective in disciplining a child. The educational implications which come to the forefront in this (study) imply, in essence the total educational challenge which must be met by parents, teachers and future-teachers. This educational challenqe is the ascertaining of juridical principles and educational principles concerned with the disciplining of a child. Because the need for better and greater discipline is a great problem in South Africa, a difficult period lies ahead which will require hard Hark in setting the record straight. Therefore, the most important findings and conclusions are the following : all teachers and parents must take up the challenge and ascertain all essential juridical aspects concerning discipline and ascertain all elementary principles of justice concerning discipline.

M.Ed.