Aussie English AE 1348 - The Goss: Aussie Teachers Used to Beat Kids with Sticks
May 18, 2025
Ian Smissen, a former high school teacher and father of the host, shares his fascinating insights into the world of Australian education. He reflects on the harsh realities of corporal punishment in schools, discussing the psychological impact of fear-based discipline. Ian advocates for modern methods like project-based learning, while critiquing the outdated techniques still in use. The conversation also touches on the challenges of reforming education and the need for long-term planning amidst political constraints. It's a thought-provoking look at how far education has come and the journey ahead.
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Corporal Punishment Experience
- Ian Smissen shares his experience of corporal punishment in primary school, describing being sent to a senior teacher for a belting with a cane.
- The cane was a long, round stick used to inflict pain as a form of discipline and deterrent.
The 'Thumper' Disciplinarian
- Ian describes a cruel teacher who used a heavy stick called "the thumper" to punish students frequently.
- He recounts being hit unjustly once and illustrates the harsh nature of some disciplinary practices.
Rigid Classroom Structure
- Classrooms held about 45 kids sitting in fixed rows, limiting interaction and collaborative work.
- The dominant teaching method was very strict: "sit down, shut up, and do as you're told."
