Teachers must have freedom to discipline

I WENT to school in the 1950s when all teachers had the right to cane or impose other forms of disciplinary action on students. Back then teachers were feared but also respected. They were held in high regard not only by students but also by parents and members of the public.

The teachers reciprocated by upholding high standards of professionalism and dedication. They took a keen and personal interest in the progress of their students in academic and extra-curricular activities. Some teachers even visited the homes of problem students to find out how they could be helped.