The way in which educators’ competency to enforce disciplinary measures in the classroom is influenced by learners’ fundamental rights is investigated in this study. An in-depth literature study was conducted, and questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data at five rural high schools in the Southern Cape. The research findings indicate that participants’ understanding of the stipulations of important relevant acts and government notices is insufficient to manage problem situations regarding discipline with confidence. There is undoubtedly a need for information sessions and/or workshops that not only convey information on a theoretical level, but apply the stipulations of relevant legal sources and the principles of effective classroom management to educators’ daily classroom situations in a practical and functional way. A positive approach to discipline and restorative disciplinary measures that are based on respect and the positive development of learners are upheld, and various important principles that will promote more effective classroom management are suggested. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Onderwysbestuur)

The way in which educators’ competency to enforce disciplinary measures in the classroom is influenced by learners’ fundamental rights is investigated in this study. An in-depth literature study was conducted, and questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data at five rural high schools in the Southern Cape. The research findings indicate that participants’ understanding of the stipulations of important relevant acts and government notices is insufficient to manage problem situations regarding discipline with confidence. There is undoubtedly a need for information sessions and/or workshops that not only convey information on a theoretical level, but apply the stipulations of relevant legal sources and the principles of effective classroom management to educators’ daily classroom situations in a practical and functional way. A positive approach to discipline and restorative disciplinary measures that are based on respect and the positive development of learners are upheld, and various important principles that will promote more effective classroom management are suggested. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Onderwysbestuur)