Effects of rules and regulations on student discipline in public technical training institutes in Nairobi Province

Abstract

Discipline can be viewed as a contemporary crisis, which is beginning to reflect trends in many parts of the World. One significant issue of concern is that indiscipline in educational institutions does not discriminate, essentially transcending the boundaries of gender, class and race. The impact has implications for educational institutions; teachers have less time to deliver teaching in order to effectively 'manage' classroom disruption, as well as face other related problems. It has become a huge concern among educators, policy-makers and the public in general, owing to the outbreak of aggressiveness among peers, violence within teacher-student relationship and vandalism.

Inspite of the numerous efforts made by the stakeholders, the problem seem not to be receding. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether rules and regulations have an effect on students discipline. This study was carried out in Kinyanjui -.. Technical, Nairobi Technical, Karen Technical and Kabete Technical located in

Nairobi.

Research objectives and Research questions were developed and literature related to this study was reviewed from books, magazines, journals internet and from previous research work carried by students and researchers. Theoretical and conceptual framework was included to enhance variables which determine discipline and their {, effects on students discipline in technical institutes. The primary data was collected

by using research instruments mainly questionnaires which consisted of open and closed ended questions. Observation checklist was also used to supplement questionnaires. The research adopted descriptive research design and a target population of 4 principals, 400 teachers and 3,675 students were used for the study sample drawn by use of stratified random and purposive sampling. The sample size was 4 principals, 40 teachers and 370 students who were sampled randomly. Data was analysed using qualitative and quantitative method with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) which was then reported.

The major findings of the study was that all the technical institutions experienced some level of indiscipline among students. The study revealed that there were more male compared to female respondents. Both administration and academic staffs were found to be highly trained cadre of professionals 38% of Teachers had masters and 22% Bachelor degree. Most of the Principals had served as either Teachers, Head of Departments or Deputy Principals. Majority were mature and had long working experience. This illustrated their potential in handling discipline in technical institutes. equally Majority of the students (76%) were aged between 21 and 25 and therefore, needed guidance and strict enforcement of rules and regulations.

The study concluded that the leading cause of indiscipline among students was drug and substance abuse which rated at 76%. Another cause was that there was minimum involvement of stakeholders in students disciplinary matters. Other causes of indiscipline included peer ~pressure, societal and family background where parents do

not play their roles in the discipline of their children. The study recommended among others, the need for open door policy where matters to do with discipline and other related issues could be brought to management attentions. The role of academic staff also needed to be enhanced.

The study also provided suggestion for further research and they included among others a replication of this study using the interview as a different instrument with principals, academic staffs and students to be done. A country wide study of indiscipline among students in all middle level tertiary institutions in the public sector should also be carried out.