Punishment essay by Shanxi pupil raises serious questions

Photo shows the punishment essay. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

A recent article written by a Chinese 9-year-old about his experiences of punishment at school, has prompted deep reflection among local educators.

The 1000 word piece, called "Teacher, I want to talk to you," was written by a student at an elemental school in Lvliang, north China's Shanxi Province, and is a record of his or her experiences of corporal punishment at school suffered at the hands of teachers and class mates.

Photo shows the punishment essay. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

The article mentions a number of occasions of corporal punishment and school violence, but also raises ethical and moral matters in teaching and teacher education, which are a cause of concern.

The local Bureau of Education officer said the essay prompted deep reflection of the local education system, and promised that a long-term mechanism to manage teacher morality and behavior would be established to eliminate the negative effects of absenteeism and corporal punishment.