Training needs of headteachers in management of adolescent behaviour problem in public secondary schools in Kiambaa Division, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the training needs of headteachers in the management of adolescence behaviour problem in secondary schools in Kiambaa Division of Kiambu District. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Literature review discussed the concept of adolescence, adolescent behaviour problem, common ways of handling adolescence behaviour problem, general disciplinary methods administered by school administrators, improving school discipline, determining training needs. The study was conducted using survey design. The sample study consisted of all the eighteen headteachers in public secondary schools in the division. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect data. Data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings revealed that all schools experienced different forms of problems. It was also revealed that some of the problems were prevalent such as drug and substance abuse, unhealthy boy girl relationships, pre-marital sexual behaviour, poor time management and poor relationship with classmates and members of same sex.

The findings also found out that head teachers employed different methods to solve the problems. These included punishments, expulsions, suspension and withdrawal of privileges which majority reported were not effective. Few headteachers employed indirect methods in handling adolescent behaviour problem such as holding discussions with students to solve their problems or asking parents to buy barbed wire after students sneaked from school. The findings also revealed that the training that the headteachers had received during their training at university or at college had not prepared them adequately in dealing

with adolescence behavioural problems. They therefore required training that could enhance management of adolescents behaviour problem such as personnel management., training in school discipline, guidance and counseling, psychology so as to fit them in their roles of handling adolescent behaviour problem.

Based on the findings, it was concluded that training plays an important role in the management of schools in general and management of behaviour problem in particular. Therefore there is need for further training for headteachers. It was therefore recommended that all those charged with responsibility of managing schools should undergo training before they are assigned that duty. It was also recommended that institutions that train teachers should focus more on training in management of students behavioural problems. It was also recommended that there is need for continuous training needs since students behaviour problem may take different forms which calls for more training.

Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study, the researcher suggested that a study on the role of parents and board of governors in management of adolescent behaviour problem should be conducted, and also a study on the role of guidance and counseling in management of adolescent behaviour problem in secondary schools should also be conducted.