An investigation into alternative strategies of discipline in the absence of corporal punishment in the public secondary schools in Matungulu division, Machakos district, Kenya

Abstract

Corporal punishment has been used as a method of discipline in many schools until the withdrawal by the Ministry of Education Science and Technology (2001). With discipline being so detrimental to existence of harmony and order in our schools, alternative strategies of discipline require to be put in place to take the place of corporal punishment, which has been quite popular. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alternative strategies of discipline that teachers in public secondary schools in Matungulu Division have adopted in the absence of corporal punishment. In the literature reviewed for this study, concept of discipline and punishment was discussed, causes of indiscipline, alternative strategies of discipline in school and in particular classrooms. The ins ruments of data collection were two sets of questionnaire, interview and observation schedules. The research instruments were tested for content validity and reliability by means of a pilot study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics where means, percentages and frequencies where used. Chi-square was used to measure the relationship between the alternative strategies that teachers preferred to 'use and the independent variables. The study came up with the following research findings; All public secondary schools in Matungulu division have embarked on the use of alternative strategies of discipline after the abolition of corporal punishment. In dealing with indiscipline, teachers have a range of alternatives that they use namely; guidance and counseling, punishment, [manual work, extra class work, kneeling down,] dialogue, having a set of school rules, withdrawal of privileges, and at times suspension. The study made the following recommendations; 1. In regard to formulation and' revision of school rules, teachers should be more involved since they play a major role in the implementation of school rules. Other than involvinq teachers, students who according to the findings of this study are hardly involved in the formulation and implementation of school rules ought to be involved since these rules are basically formulated to govern them. Having a clear set of rules with consequences for non adherence is an alternative strategy that can enhance school discipline 2. The study recommended that frequent workshops, in-service and refresher courses on use of alternative strategies of discipline be availed to teachers. Guidance and counseling training should be given to all teachers irrespective of their responsibilities since it is the most effective and preferred alternative strategy. 3. Teachers of public secondary schools should learn to practice a reward-based • system of discipline rather than the traditional one of punishment. They ought to be encouraged to use alternative methods of behaviour modification, which have a positive impact on student behaviour instead of . using punishment, which only suppresses behaviour. The study suggested the following research areas for further research: 1. A comparative study on the alternative strategies of discipline in public secondary schools in rural and urban set ups. 2. A replication of this study-using interview as the research instrument with headteachers, teachers, students and parents as the respondents. 3. A study on the attitude of teachers on the use of alternative strategies of discipline in public secondary schools.