In grade 1, I witnessed a young female teacher strapping a boy for having his legs crossed while he was writing. Not once, but several times. I also remember a boy with a speech impedemant being constantly strapped for stuttering whilst reciting multiplication tables.
I know that the fear factor impacted on me greatly.
I would agree however, there were pro’s and con’s to this style of teaching.
The con for me is that I became withdrawn for a few years. The pro is that I made sure I knew my lessons inside out because I wouldn’t give any teacher the oportunity to find fault and punish me. A trait I still have today.
Fear is a powerful tool, especially when you have an imposing authority figure applying it in a skillful manor.
