DOMS PAGLIAWAN

It’s a unique feeling, like a balloon inflated with fury, bouncing around the confines of your chest cavity. Then it turns into a mixture of wrath and fear, both powerful and devastating emotions, hence difficult to control.

So, there you stand, face flushed with frustration, as the children before you push every button with expert precision. Their antics, though undoubtedly aggravating, are like a twisted form of comedy – each misbehavior is another punchline in the joke that is classroom chaos. Despite the overwhelming urge to unleash a verbal tirade or administer a well-deserved time-out, the law stands as an insurmountable barrier, reminding you of the consequences of crossing that forbidden line.

As you struggle to contain the bubbling rage within, it’s as if you’ve been cast as the lead in a tragicomedy of errors. Every fiber of your being screams for justice, for retribution, but you’re forced to play the role of the reluctant peacekeeper, biting your tongue as the child continues their reign of mischief. It’s a comedy of restraint, a farce of frustration, and a silent scream into the void of legislative absurdity. And so, you soldier on, hoping that someday, somehow, the powers that be will recognize the absurdity of expecting teachers to discipline without the tools to do so effectively.

What a plight for Filipino teachers – armed with red pens, lesson plans, and an unscratchable itch to discipline mischievous students. It’s a comedy of errors, a dance of restraint, and a silent scream into the void of classroom chaos. For years, they’ve navigated the treacherous waters of unruly behavior with nothing but a stern glare and a well-rehearsed “Please behave.” But alas, the ban on physical punishment has left them scratching their heads, and not just because of the stress.

Picture this: a classroom filled with giggles, whispers, and the occasional paper airplane soaring across the room like a misguided missile. The teacher stands at the front, armed with knowledge and a deep-seated desire to maintain order. But as the chaos escalates, so does the temptation to unleash the ultimate weapon: the dreaded ruler slap. Alas, such primitive tactics are no longer acceptable in the modern era of education.

Instead, Filipino teachers must resort to alternative methods of discipline, like confiscating cell phones or assigning extra homework. But let’s be honest – nothing strikes fear into the hearts of students quite like the threat of a ruler to the knuckles. It’s a classic move, steeped in tradition and accompanied by the faint scent of chalk dust and nostalgia.

But fear not, dear educators, for all hope is not lost. While physical punishment may be off the table, there are still plenty of creative ways to keep unruly students in line. How about a rousing game of “Pop Quiz Roulette,” where the consequences of failure are too terrifying to contemplate? Or perhaps a lesson in the ancient art of “Silent Staredown,” guaranteed to silence even the rowdiest of troublemakers?

Of course, some argue that banning physical punishment is a step forward in promoting a safe and nurturing learning environment. And they’re not wrong – after all, nobody wants to see students cowering in fear at the sight of a ruler-wielding teacher. But let’s not forget the comedic goldmine that is the eternal struggle between authority and disobedience.
At the end of the day, it’s a delicate balancing act for Filipino teachers – a constant juggling of rules, regulations, and the occasional urge to unleash their inner disciplinarian. So, the next time you see a teacher scratching her head in frustration, and loudly expressing a soon retirement, spare a thought for the unscratchable itch of discipline. After all, laughter may be the best medicine, but sometimes a well-timed ruler slap is just what the classroom needs.