An investigation of the primary school fifth grade teachers and students point of views in terms of punishment use in responsibility training

The aim of this study is to investigate the primary school teachers? sanctions use including punishment in their students? responsibility training and the results of this application in terms of the teachers? and students? point of views. This descriptive case study was carried out in 12 state primary schools in Adana in the academic year of 2006-2007. One fifth grade class was chosen randomly from each school, and the teacher and the students of these classes were included into this study. The data including the teachers? and students? perspectives were obtained by using a questionnaire of open-ended questions and a semi-structured interview. The qualitative content analysis was used for the analysis of the data obtained. Within this framework, first, the data were transferred into the computer, then converted into codes. Following that, the relevant codes were categorized and then, themes and groups were formed. Some parts of the qualitative data including the teachers? and students? point of views were directly transferred with the aim of exemplification. The findings of this study revealed that the teachers also used some methods including both punishment and not punishment in handling with the unfulfilled responsibilities of the students. It was seen that the oral negative punishments were most frequently used. According to the participant students, the sanctions that the teachers use were generally effective, but it was seen that this effect was found to be short-term. In students? responsibility training, instead of applying sanctions requiring external control such as punishment, the internally controlled applications such as giving a chance to students to face with the results of the behavior -not including punishment- can be regarded as a more effective way. Key Words: Responsibility, Discipline, Punishment, Primary School Teacher.