Student teachers' perceptions of violence in primary schools

Abstract

In this article, the authors gauge the perceptions of student teachers on violence in primary schools and their immediate communities. Learners’ exposure to mounting levels of violence and crime in South Africa in general, but more specifically in their homes and communities, affects their behaviour adversely. The data collection took the form of a written submission of the discussion of semi-structured reflective questions in a post-internship oral reflection in student teachers’ internship school groups after an approximately three month long internship period in Pretoria schools. Student teachers believe that school violence impacts on learners and teachers to a large extent, often damaging the trust relationship between them. In addition, the uncertainty of teachers in dealing with incidents of violence sometimes creates the impression that they are uncaring. Students contend that measures such as workshops for all role players, as well as stricter discipline, could alleviate the problem of violence in schools and communities. The place to begin to stem the burgeoning tide of violence in society at large, lies with government.