Development of effective discipline culture in selected public secondary schools in Thika district, Kenya

Abstract

There has been an outcry of indiscipline in secondary schools in Kenya. In response to this, the government has set committees and commissions to look into causes of indiscipline in secondary schools. However, with all their efforts to solve discipline problems, the issue of riots in secondary schools is still a problem for further research. The main objective of the study was to find out the role played by the B.O.G, PTA, sponsors, principals, teachers and students in enhancing effective discipline. It also aimed at offering possible solutions to discipline problems in secondary schools. In addition, to find out the techniques used in development of effective discipline culture in secondary schools in Kenya. The findings of the study concluded that the issue of discipline is students being responsible and committed to adhere schools and regulations. Similarly, teachers and parents play their own role in enhancing effective discipline. The morals of the society are deteriorating and so the school needs to set clear rules and regulations to be followed by students. The school regulations guide and direct all the stakeholders to implement the Ministry of Education policies and guidelines. The issue of discipline begins right from home. The home brings up the child to fit in the society. Therefore, the school should be an institution to assist the students to achieve excellence academic performance. The students learn to respect life and keep their dignity as they grow up. The Ministry of Education has given guidelines to be followed by the principals, teachers and all stakeholders in handling discipline cases in secondary schools. A descriptive survey design was adopted and carried out in six (6) selected public secondary schools in Thika District. The research instruments used were administered questionnaires for principals, teachers and students. The findings of the study included cases of indiscipline and techniques of handling discipline problems. The researcher made the following key recommendations. These recommendations include: I. Strengthening of guidance and counseling in secondary schools. ii. Teaching moral values to the students. III. Proper channels of communication to be put in place. IV. Adherence to school rules and regulations. v. Involvement of all the teachers, students and all the stakeholders. VI. Proper channels of communication to be put in place. This study recommends that more research should be done In development of effective discipline culture in public secondary schools in Kenya.