An investigation of the causes of administrative problems facing public day secondary school teachers in the management of students in Pumwani division, Nairobi

Abstract

Well-managed schools display orderly environment and emphasizes on academic achievement. Schools in Pumwani division of Nairobi Province have recorded minimal academic achievement in the past. The purpose of this study was to find out the causes of administrative problems facing secondary school teachers in the management of students in Pumwani division of Nairobi district. These problems were studied in relation to the following variables; poor sanitation among students, poor time management, theft practices, drug abuse, early pregnancies, and the effects of peer pressure and home environment of the students. The study used an ex post facto design where samples of 102 students and 54 teachers were used in data collection. Based on the research questions, two questionnaires, one for teachers and another for students were designed to solicit information to assist in the research questions. The study revealed there were problems emanating from lack of cleanliness among students, poor time management, problems of travelling to school and absenteeism from school by students. Absenteeism of students from school was found to emanate from lack of resources. Absenteeism among students caused many problems to teachers in the course of administering the students in the schools. Misuse and abuse of drugs was found to affect the students' behaviour hence leading to administrative problems in these schools. Another major problem in the schools was peer pressure as a result of the environment in which the schools are located while the home environment affected the students' performance due to space for studying and other problems caused by the set up and the economic levels of the family. The study concluded that the students are experiencing problems in cleanliness both personal and classrooms, and that early pregnancies of female students were causing administrative problems to teachers. Based on these conclusions, it was recommended that loan facilities and bursaries be extended to the schools. On drug abuse, it was recommended that the Ministry organize seminars and workshops for teachers and students. On theft cases, the study recommended that the schools should establish school motto, vision and address psychology and special needs of the students. It was recommended that schools in the region establish cordial relationships with the communities around the school, and that family institutions remain functional and sound.