School Management And Its Effects On Discipline In Secondary Schools: A Case Study Of Dodoma Region

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at investigating school management and its effects on discipline in secondary schools. The study was conducted under three research objectives: to find out the extent to which the school management may play a role in maintaining discipline, to investigate the extent to which school rules and regulations affect the discipline of students and to examine how indiscipline affects performance of both teachers and students. This study based on the human relation theory developed by Douglas Mc Gregory on theory X and theory Y. The study was conducted in Dodoma region in two districts: Dodoma Municipality and Chamwino. It involved 7 secondary schools, four from Dodoma Municipality and three from Chamwino district. The sample size for the study was 132 which included 7 heads of schools, 7 assistant heads of schools, 7 discipline masters or mistresses, 21 teachers and 90 students. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. However, qualitative approach was dominant; it was descriptive in nature. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussion and documentary review. Data from questionnaires were analysed quantitatively using SPSS version 16 and from interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review were analysed qualitatively by coding the data obtained before drawing conclusion. The findings revealed that discipline in secondary schools was a serious challenge, and school management rarely meets students to discuss disciplinary issues. Schools are required to use theory X with prudence in controlling and directing discipline that is theory Y, need to be emphasized much to achieve a high standard of discipline. The study recommends that school rules and regulations should be emphasized to enable students understand them. Schools should adhere to the regulations prepared by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training on the National Education (Corporal Punishment) Regulations of 1979 made under section 60 (0) when punishing a student. School management has to ensure that school calendar provides time for meetings where students and teachers will discuss disciplinary issues. School management has to make sure that there are sessions of counseling and guidance.