the only time i was hit in class was in my third year of primary school, and it was a slap across the face by a teacher. i remember the shock, mostly, cause nobody had ever hit me before in my life--i don't remember what i'd done (but let's face it, it can't have been that bad, i was 7 for crying out loud), but the shock was horrific. i didn't tell my mum, because, as i think i read above, by the end of the school day i'd forgotten.
My mother never used corporal punishment, even though i was a difficult child at times, but i consider myself a respectful person, because i was taught respect. I can understand why some may think that being physically corrected will instill a sense of respect or obedience, but i disagree. on a regular basis, that sort of correction would lead to fear instead of respect, and 'going through the motions' instead of obedience. i would want my child to understand why manners, respect and obedience are important.
Explaining leads to understanding, that's the way my mother taught me and that's the way i'd like to teach my children one day.
By sending your child to school, you give the teacher the power to educate your child. Schooling is still too close to home for comfort, seeing that i finished three years ago, and i remember the good teachers, those teachers who are interested in their subject and in their students, who didn't need to raise their voices once, cause they grabbed the class's attention. They didn't demand respect, or obedience, or attention, simply because they had it by default. Fill schools with this kind of properly trained and inspiring teachers and you won't have to worry.

..my two pennies.