CAUSES AND IMPACT OF INDISCIPLINE

AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

(A case study of Matunda Secondary School)

NAME:
TOM RASTO WEKESA
STUDENT NUMBER:
GS170160BED

November, 2019

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this project is the original work of Tom Rasto Wekesa of

student number GS170160BED

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NAME OF SUPERVISOR SIGNATUR

Dr. Dinah Nyamai ..………….....

NAME OF H.O.D SIGNATURE

John Kitur ………………

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DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to my mother Anjelina Busolo of blessed memory and to

my brother and sister, and not forgetting Almighty God the creator of the Universe.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

My profound gratitude goes to God Almighty for giving me life, also to my able

supervisor Dr. Dinah Nyamai for her academic guidance throughout the period of

this project work.

I will not forget to acknowledge my HOD John Kitur for his fatherly care in the

department of Education, Africa International University.

I must seize this ample opportunity to appreciate my loving parents Mr. & Mrs.

Jotham Wekesa for their moral and loving care towards me and my siblings.

Let me use this little opportunity to acknowledge my brother Mr. Benard Alwanyi

and also my great appreciation goes to my lovely sister Knight Muhongo.

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ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the causes and effects of indiscipline

among secondary school students in Matunda Secondary school in Likuyani

Constituency Kakamega county. The incessant occurrence of chaotic and some

time criminal behaviour not only by the audit population but also the students of

this country in recent times has since began to give cause for concern, particularly

to parents, governments and school administrators.

Questionnaires form a sample of a particular secondary school in Likuyani

consisting of (200) respondents selected randomly from Matunda Secondary

school using Simple Random Sampling Technique varying from students to

teachers were analyzed. Among other things, it was found that peer groups to a

large extent have influence on their fellow students; also the parents of the students

are not left out as they too in one way or the other contribute positively and

negatively to the behaviour of a child.

Drug abuse is also seen as a way of intimidating students or separating other

students by the group they mingle with.

In the findings, it was noted that parental influence and support in cheating practice

can contribute to children engaging in acts of indiscipline.

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Measures were also suggested on how to curb the act of indiscipline in secondary

school among secondary school students.

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Indiscipline may be said to be as old as the time when men started to organize

himself into society and consequently made laws to order the affairs of men in a

social set up. In the Holy Scriptures, Cain exhibited some form of indiscipline

when he out of envy murdered his brother Abel in their Abode. “Indiscipline” is

not an issue that has not been known by all, as people in one way or the other have

been involved with indiscipline behaviour on daily basis. Many students today

especially those in secondary schools exhibit some forms of indiscipline ranging

from stealing, murder, cheating etc. These acts involve both adults and youths, the

rate of indiscipline is quite alarming in the modern world.

Indiscipline may be seen as a form of deviating from the set rules guiding

behavioral conduct i.e an individual doing or engaging in activities in a wrong way

and thereby neglecting the rules and regulations. For instance, there is a rule which

says “All pedestrians should not cross the express way rather should cross-over by

climbing the over-head bridge”.

The above rule is as clear as crystal and if anyone contradicts the rule, the person

will be termed as “undisciplined”. The Oxford Advanced Dictionary defines

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“indiscipline” as lack of control in the behaviour of a group of people. In other

words, it is the ability of an individual to live contrarily with rules.

Most schools in the past were voluntary agency schools. As at then, there was

harmony as principals, teachers shared the same view of students desirable

behaviours. The quality of school system as regards to discipline was very high up

till the end of early eighties. Some of the indiscipline acts that began to manifest

after this time include; bullying, exam malpractice, cultist activities, truancy etc.

(Source from: The Daily Newspaper page 26, 13th of February 2002).

Zubaida (2009) identifies various forms of indiscipline among the secondary

schools students such as truancy, lateness to school, cultism, drug abuse,

insulting/assaulting, stealing, rioting and many other anti-social vices. According

to Zubaida (2009) and Eyinade (1999), a number of these acts of indiscipline were

directed against constituted authorities and established rules. An example of this is

refusal to wear the right school uniform and going out of bounds without

permission. The respect which teachers command among students had been

seriously worn-off. And some teachers have not done much to help the situation by

their actions. This problem has turned to a national issue.

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Our leaders in the past have tried to remedy this situation but the problem proved

not to be solved. One of the cardinal objectives of education as spelt out in the

National policy on education (2004) revised, is to inculcate right type of values and

attitudes to education, parental factors and teacher attitude.

Therefore, there is need to get at the root of causes of indiscipline among students

with a view of finding a solution. In this light the researchers concern is to find out

factors responsible for indiscipline among secondary school students with a view

to provide solutions in order to make our educational system what it ought to be.

In any civilized society, the fostering of discipline is a necessary condition on the

maintenance of law and order. It is a pre-requisite for the promotion of political,

social and economic development of a society or nation achieves is to a large

extent a function by its various organs and what they are able to inculcate on the

youth is very essential in order to ensure loyalty of the citizens and to the social

and economic development of the country. The national policy of education (1981)

stated the purpose of education as follows: “To create a good society where all its

members can use their disposal to develop all the natural resources within the

environment in pursuit of the self goal and objective?” there have been a

considerable exhibition of indiscipline in school of which a lot of bad behaviour

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such as gambling, smoking, drunkenness, stealing, bribery, corruption and drug

addiction flourished. In fact, it was in realization of these problems that led to the

launching of the caning of the school going population by president Daniel Arap

Moi in 1984.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The word indiscipline has eaten the heart of many students in Matunda Secondary

school located in Likuyani Sub-county in Kakamega county Western Kenya.

Before now, during the management of missionary in our educational system,

which can never be over-emphasized. Because every child wants to go to school

early, dress in their correct uniform obeys the school rules and regulation and

respect their teachers. There was high level of discipline in the school system then

because teachers are always there to guide the students on what to do and what not

to do.

Indiscipline especially in Kenya is to an extent glorified in the sense that

politicians who claim to govern and allocate scarce resource for the nation to find

themselves involve in all sort of nefarious activities which include bribery,

embezzlement of public funds, non-approving or delay of contact etc. These same

politicians are being looked up to in the sense that they are seen as the leaders of

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the nation in such acts are being seen as normal behaviour by young children due

to the fact that the politicians are always getting away with some criminal issues

without being subjected to strict penalty for their crimes committed. Most of these

high profiled politicians are parents to school children who are in one way or the

other influenced by their parents negative actions.

Western culture in one way or the other has contributed to indiscipline in schools

via several means including social world, which entails; Television, Satellite dish,

Magazine etc. Young secondary school students always connect to the social

media; Facebook, Yahoo etc. and also most importantly the television sets which

in one way has contributed to the indiscipline life style students are faced with in

schools by practicing those negative actions which had earlier been seen by them.

These days, there are no more strict restrictions that guide the behaviour of

students if at all there is, it is not being given attention to by the students and

sometimes the school administration bend the rules to favour the students so as to

invite few students who will benefit from the rules and regulations given by that

particular secondary school or high school.

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1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

i. This research is aimed at investigating the causes and effects of student’s

indiscipline in our school system. This is due to the ever increasing rate of

indiscipline in our school system nationwide. Some variables of this study

includes peer group influence, parental influences/upbringing and socio-

economic attainment of parents. There are many factors usually responsible

for indiscipline of students in the society.

ii. This work is therefore aimed at determining the factors responsible for

indiscipline in our secondary school.

It will try to make suggestions to the possible solutions which may help to bring to

an end the problem of indiscipline in our secondary school system.

iii. This work will go a long way to verify student indiscipline and its impact on

their academic performance or better still as threat to their education.

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

To guide this study, the following hypothesis is necessary:

i. There is no correlation between parental influence and upbringing of the

child contributing to the indiscipline of the child.

ii. There is no correlation between peer groups influence among students in

the area of indiscipline.

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 iii. There is no correlation for punishments for indiscipline among secondary

school students.

iv. There is no correlation between indiscipline and academic performance

of secondary school students.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

School administrators, teachers, government and policy makers in their effort to

put an end to the problem of students indiscipline specifically the outcome of this

work would assist parents and society in monitoring the activities of their children

through the results of this study.

This study will be useful to the government and policy makers in formulating

policies that will ensure a discipline and patriotic behavior on the part of the

students.

The significance of the study is that findings would be of tremendous help to

education, students, teachers and all others concerned with the learning process of

students both within and outside Otuoke. For example, if the recommendation of

the study are considered, the heavy losses usually suffered by the community and

the nation in general in terms of property and man power due to student unrest

would be minimized; if not totally eliminated, parents would be retrieved of the

inherent fears and anxieties about their behavior patterns of their children in school

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as they would gain insight into what the problem of the children are and how to

treat them in acceptable manner both at home and in school. School management

replaces the old traditional method. As a result of this, combination gap existing in

schools would be bridged. In short an atmosphere would be created while students

would be able to properly master skills and be member of groups which are

purposefully active.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of study is limited to a secondary school in Likuyani sub-county in

Kakamega county. There was adequate coverage in the school concerning the

causes and impact of indiscipline among secondary school students.

1.7 DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS

Discipline: Training especially of the mind and character, set of rules for conduct

method, which training must be given.

It can also be said to be someone or an individual who have made-up his/her mind

to abide by rules and regulations set up by the society in guiding their behaviour

e.g Traffic laws.

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Students: A person who is studying at a college or university. It can also mean to

be someone learning or studying in a formal system.

Youths: this is the state or time of being young ranging from the age bracket of

(18-40).

Indiscipline: It is a situation in which people do not control their behaviour or

obey rules. A deviance from the normal rules and regulation.

Secondary school: Post primary school.

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CHAPTER TWO

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review is a summary of previous research on a topic.

The focus of this chapter is to review existing literature and scholarly contributions

on the research topic carried out on the following sub headings.

1. The concept of discipline/indiscipline

2. The causes of indiscipline

3. The effects of indiscipline

4. The control measures.

The concept of Discipline/Indiscipline

Discipline is synonymous with punishment. According to this concept, discipline is

used only where a child violates the rules and regulations set down by parents,

teachers or adult in charge of the affairs of the community in which he lives. Used

correctly discipline is dubious as said, a process of training and learning that

fosters growth and development. It comes from the same world as discipline.

Bandura and Allinstimita (1969) Discipline is a state of order maintained by

training and control of a particular system of regulation for conduct, instruction

and exercise designed to train to proper conduct or action, systematic training

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inflicted by way of correction and training inflicted by way of correction and

training inflicted by way of correction and training.

Akinboye (1980) Discipline is also the training of Moral character to produce self

control and habit of obedience. It is essential in every organized community.

Discipline has right to question authority of the teachers. He must obey and try to

understand the object.

Adesina (1990) Discipline has been observed as the readiness or ability to respect

authority and observe conventional or established laws of the society or any other

organization. He later said that discipline implies self control, restrain, respect for

self and respect for others.

Alexander (1945) said that discipline in heavens first “law” this is also the first law

in any school. Life is a preparatory stage for the future well being and the much

that is required that carries one through life. If one is ill-treated during his delicate

stage, it will be realized that one ends up as a threat to community. This paper is

concerned mainly with the meanings given above because discipline is very

important feature by which the quality of a school is judged. When a school lacks

discipline, many facets of school activities are adversely affected, in fact a school

that has a poor discipline is likely also to have a poor public image, a poor fore,

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low morals among staff, frequent quarrels and anti-social acts among students,

poor performance in sports and also affect their performances in examination.

According to Marland (1993), to say that children are disciplined is different from

saying that they are controlled. Controlled children believe in the external value of

the directions of the controller at least sufficiently to follow them. Disciplined

children, on the other hand, observe the internal values of the activities to subscribe

to. This explains the eagerness to substitute the term “discipline” with the term

“control”. Mbiti (as cited in redempta 2010) defines discipline as a system of

arranging condition for healthy learning and living. Since life is a continuous series

of choices, the child must be trained to make choices reasonably and

independently.

Bakhda (2004) Says that a good manager must have effective communication

skills. A number of communication channels can be used to enhance interactions

and discipline like culture in schools. These include making announcements at

school, assemblies, staff meetings, daily announcement in classrooms and staff

rooms, person to person communication, telephones, e-mails, postal systems,

memos, notice boards, newsletters, personalized letters, intercom-telephony among

others. Indiscipline can be alleviated in schools if available channels of

communication are effectively employed. Students should be allowed to express

their grievances to the school administration and teachers. Teachers and school
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managers should also use these channels to sensitize students on expected

behaviour. Communication enhances attitudes towards teaching, learning and the

whole educational process and systems. Charles (as cited in Asare & Adzrolo,

2013) encourages head teachers to have dialogue with their students both formally

and informally. Dialogue could motivate learners to behave better because they

feel that the head teacher is concerned about them.

On the same issue, Kolaci; (2014) says that without proper interactions and

appropriate use of channels communication, an organization can only be a

confused gathering of people and machines. The leader, the group and the

situations influence one another. Conversely, a style of leadership that informs

people what to do without seeking their opinions is considered autocratic and the

outcome is chaos and anarchy.

The history traditions and culture of a school set the tone for student’s discipline.

Wallace (as cited in Bakzer 1999) has formulated a model of the psychology of

culture change that is considerably more complex.

The scholar argues that when the equilibrium of a socio-cultural system is

disrupted by forces internal or external to it, it becomes unable to meet the needs of

parts, including their needs for orderliness and predictability in their social life.

They become dissollioned and discontented which leads to an increase in deviant

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behavior, mental disorder and crime, which are soon followed by institutionalized

floating of conventions by groups of people seeking comfort in alcohol, violence,

illicit sexual and economic practices, as social trust and security deteriorate further.

The culture of school contributes to student discipline the new members in a school

adopt and fit into the culture of the school through various interactions and

process. School members also determine the culture of their institution. It is the

responsibility of the school administration, principal, teachers and students to

determine the type of culture to exhibit. New staff members and students are also

inducted into the existing culture. Duke (as cited in Akomolafe, 2012) says that

highly performing schools are characterized by commitment to appropriate student

behaviour and set clear behaviour expectations for students. In such schools, rules,

sanctions and procedures are discussed, debated and frequently formalized into

school discipline and classroom management plans (Ibid) the climate in such

institutions reveals concern for students as individuals which manifest itself in a

variety of ways, including efforts to involve students in school decision-making

and de-emphasis on homogenous group.

Sullivian, Johnson, Owens and Conway (2014), Citing slee (1995), posit that

suspension as a means to reforming student behaviour does not help the student

because the school staff simply gets rid of the troublesome students rather than

changing the school environment in such a way as to prevent or reduce discipline

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problems. Schools are places where it expected, students will learn to live in unity

and harmony. The Teachers Service Commission (2002) posits that indiscipline

arises where idleness is rampant and teachers show little interest in student’s

academy welfare. Discipline as part of educational and life training must be carried

out in the context of love, respect and acceptance.

Indiscipline

According to the Oxford Advance Learners Dictionary 8 th edition of current

English, Indiscipline is defined as absence of discipline. Indiscipline can also be

seen as any action considered to be wrong and not generally accepted as proper in

a set up or society. This is direct opposite of discipline, which is a state of order

obtained by training and control punishment inflicted by way of correcting

training.

Indiscipline as defined by Akinboye (1980) is also misbehaviour. In other words,

indiscipline is any act or behavior or an individual or group of people that is not in

conformity with the general accepted pattern of standard, norms in the society of

mind character in a person to produce self control or habits of obedience. It

involves lack of obedience to constituted authority or law of a nation. It is also lack

discipline or restrain.

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The various types of Indiscipline are;

Fighting: fighting gives rise to indiscipline, it resulted to physical combat.

Wickedness: due to the gravity of wickedness in the mind of the students, they

oppress or bully fellow students who are weak.

Assault and Insult: students or youths rudely attack their teachers, also fight with

members of the staff as well as members of non-teaching staff and beat up their

junior ones.

Truancy: Some students run away from school for several reasons. This may

include the fear of punishment, dislike for examination, the influence of various

peer groups etc. constant stay away from school make them perform ugly in

examination.

PROBLEM OF INDISCIPLINE

The problem of indiscipline is more apparent among secondary school students in

public school. Indiscipline among them has affected serious attention of scholars

and administrators, these scholars and administrators attributed indiscipline among

public secondary school to their state of development. They opined that when

students notice certain biological changes signaling maturity in the cause of their

growth and development, they tend to misbehave by faulting school rules and

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regulation (Mukharjee 1985). Research Studies have shown that indiscipline seems

to be worse with children of the big, heavy, powerful and seemingly religions

parents, reasons for these findings would be hazard later in the course of this

discourse. At this point, it is worthwhile to highlight some of the prevalent case

and act of indiscipline among public secondary school students. It is disappointing

normal to see students roam the streets freely nowadays in their school uniforms.

Female students now have their classrooms in their boyfriends or man friends

place. There is little or no respects for teachers anymore. Therefore, those days

when our parents would threaten to teachers whenever students were acting against

the wishes of their parents, it has become non-sense to punish a student’s bad

behaviour for such “Disciplinarian” must be beaten up by the agents of the

“discipline” or harass and sometimes punished as well by the parent of the

indiscipline students.

CAUSES OR FACTORS OF INDISCIPLINE

Also there are factors that contribute to indiscipline among secondary school

students, which include peer pressure, teachers, parents, governments etc.

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GOVERNMENT

Yes, the government especially who controls publicly owned schools have in one

way or the other show no concern in putting up good structures for learning and

also school structures which are faulty are left without being repaired e.g school

fees, Broken desks and chair, worn-out roofs etc.

Due to this non-challant attitude by the government, to an extent students see

opportunity in leaving school premises during school hours as they do not find

their environment conducive for learning and also they tend to see the essence of

learning as waste of time

PARENTS

Parents in one way or the other contribute to the indiscipline in students. Some

parents will always quarrel and fight in the presence of their children, show no sign

of discipline for them rather they encourage their children into practicing what they

have seen at home in school. Also some parents encourage their children to cheat

by sponsoring or encouraging their children in paying for special centers to make

sure their spouse pass external exams.

By reason of this, students develop the culture of examination malpractices even in

their various schools.

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TEACHERS

Teachers are responsible for lecturing students and guiding them with moral

conduct but a situation whereby the teacher is not being paid his/her salary poses

threat to the teacher’s attitudes towards their job. In most cases the teachers avoid

coming to school or sometimes succumb to lateness, all these are tied to non-

payment of salaries which discourages them on performing their duty.

The students take notice of, and decides to capitalize on the frustration of the

teachers by bullying them, insulting them, disobeying orders etc.

In some rare cases the teachers stoop so low in as much as getting into a

relationship with students whom they are educating, in so doing there is no longer

separation of rank or level between such students and the teachers, as a result of

this. There is bound to be equality of status between the teacher and the student.

Since indiscipline has taken place, there is no respect for teachers by the students.

PEER GROUPS

Peer groups exist virtually in every school setting and the group influences the

individual to partake in some actions be it negative positive to be seen as part of

the group i.e the “peer group” takes the goal of every individual against their

personal goals. Outside the family, peer groups have been seen to have greater

influence on individuals in the aspect of indiscipline.

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The peers are grouped sometimes as cultists, smokers, Robbers etc. which an

individual who belongs serve the purpose of the interest of the group he/she

belongs against his/her interest. Mostly in schools peer groups are found and it

poses threat to discipline.

IMPACT OR EFFECTS OF INDISCIPLINE

Today indiscipline in our society has taken various shapes. These includes all

forms of anti-social behaviours among our students which often come inform of

sexual assault, rioting, stealing, and lying, cheating and examination malpractice,

drug abuse, secrete cults etc.

RIOTING

An upsurge of student violence on our secondary schools throughout the world has

become a central issue in the emergence of students personal services. (Denga

1982) According to him, students unrest has come to be regarded as basic

academic or disorderly protest involving disruptions violence and terrorism. Many

students today seek to participate actively and even aggressive in societal

reconstruction and often violently in order to try and change the societal norms.

Denga (1982) says that if one could take a hard look on student violence as well he

suggested that one of the popular explanations of students activities during recent

years has been what he would call the warm out phrase generation gap, one of the
26
student’s unrest. Denga also stated that the apparent increase in the students unrest

is becoming both increasingly difficult to ignore. According to Akinboye (1987)

Adolescents have a lot of problems getting adjusted to moral codes, rules of the

society and authority because a lot of inconsistencies become noticeable even

among the peers in terms of what they hold as sacred; some peers may like to have

uncontrolled sex affair while others may not want to do so, some peer may want to

engage in cheating behaviour in school, at home or in the society while others will

not. Hence the problem of moral value and what rules to uphold compounded by

those inconsistencies, hence discipline in the form of rioting may arise as a result

of conflicts, frustrations, inhabitations, urgent need and worries.

SEXUAL ASSAULTS

Sexual harassment according to Mackinnnon (1979) is an unwanted imposition of

sexual requirement in the context of a relationship of unequal power. Oyemelue

Anchor in Ekpo (1996) talks about sex behaviour as a form of indiscipline among

students identified , masturbation, homosexuality and lesbianism, they also saw

rape and prostitutions as a form of indiscipline behavior. There is no denying the

fact that today many of our females in the secondary schools in an attempt to cater

for their needs go into prostitution, running after sugar daddies. The boys are no

exception as some of them mostly of adolescent age break into people’s houses in

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the night even in broad day light and after disposing people wives and daughters

involved in forced wives sex (rape) and other forms of sexual assaults.

STEALING AND LYING

Stealing in whatever form; shoplifting, pilfering, armed robbery etc. in an

antisocial behavior. It is not just anti-social but also a grievous sin insight of God

Almighty. This is why we have the Holy Scripture talks against it e.g “thou shall

not steal” (Exodus 20:15). This is one of the ten commandments of God given to

mankind. Thus this behavior whether in adult or in youths should not be taken

lightly, we should rather be the agencies for character molding and behavior

modification. Students proper as ranging from provision up to school fees are

stolen at school by fellow students. People properties in the homes are taken away

even in broad daylight and some time the owners are killed in the process, cars are

snatched from owners at gun point even on busy roads, stealing constitutes about

60% of the total offences among secondary school students. A research conducted

by Gribbes and peg (1982) revealed that stealing if not treated early enough in a

child life can grow to the stage where the individual can turn it into a profession.

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DRUG ABUSE

The consumption and trafficking in drugs have assumed alarming proportion to the

embarrassment of friends, parents and even the government. Adesina in Ekpo

(1996) Says that secondary school students take drugs for various reasons. To him

the boys, take drugs for “kick” and “action” while girls take them to feel good and

to reduce tension in Kenya observer of may 1st 1985, Adamson gave reasons why

secondary school students abuse drugs. His reasons include peer group pressure,

social and personality type.

Another area of problem with the students in secondary school is drinking habits.

They may not be known as alcoholics but rather problems drinkers. When with

peers most of them see drinking as a pre-requisite for acceptance, inability to drink

well or total abstinence is often seen as a threat to the group.

SECRETE CULTS

This is another social menace that is seriously disturbing the Kenyan society in

decades. Alarming is the rate at which this menace is spreading in our secondary

schools. This unfortunate situation was lamented over by Obateru in Ekpo (1966)

He pointed out that the infiltrations of secrete cults into our secondary schools

were causing school heads nightmares. Student’s indiscipline has led to the lost of
29
many lives either through drug addictions, riots and many violence demonstration,

abortion or robbers.

Many of our students today engage in one or more of these activities. Indiscipline

among secondary school students has a lot of negative effects on our educational

system and learning. Many academic calendar have been disrupted, school

properties worth thousands of naira are been destroyed as a result of these anti-

social behavior exhibited by our students in our secondary schools now form

themselves into gangs (mafia groups). This becomes a means whereby students are

exposed to drug use and later become addicted, leading subsequently to their

initiation into secrete cults. The students go out to achieve their evil goals

CONTROL MEASURES

To control indiscipline especially in our secondary school among students in

Kenya is certainly a task as it has eaten deep into all factors of life in the society.

The adults that the students look upon as pace setters are also involved in acts of

indiscipline. However, it is the duty of parents, governments and non governments

organizations, religions organizations to rise to the challenges in the curbing the

rate of indiscipline among our students. The parents and religious or organizations

have to train up children morally, children who are brought up in the fear of God

and with respect for elders as social norms hardly get themselves involve in

30
immoral behaviors. Some have suggested the incarceration of the indiscipline in

students as a way of reducing them from the schools. Unfortunately, this method

has done little to lower the rate of indiscipline.

Many frustrating experiences with their parent’s poor home atmospheres and

boredom are the major factors influencing the acts of indiscipline and that it is

these factors that must be changed if their lives are going to change.

Elizabeth Hurlock (1972) posited that it has always been believed that children

need discipline but there have been change in attitudes about why they need it. In

the past, it was believed that individuals would adhere to the standard that society

established and would tolerate no deviation from it.

2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

A theory gives an explanation of a work that needs to be analyzed critically.

What is a theory? A theory is a set of ideas put forward through the use of

concepts, variables, hypothesis, prepositions etc. logically tied together to explain

phenomenon.

Any theory must be logical to explain something. Karl Marx - Marx came as a

result that he do not believe that there is no conflict in the society. Marx believed

that by struggle in the society, there must be conflict.

31
Weber – was looking for explanation as a result why one person behaves

differently in a group. A theoretical framework consists of concepts and together

with their definitions and references to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory

that is used for your particular study. The theoretical framework must demonstrate

an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your

research paper and that relates to broader areas of knowledge being considered.

The theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the

literature. You must review course readings and pertinent research studies for

theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are

investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease

of application, an explanatory power.

This study adopted the social learning (Bandura) theory. In this theory, Albert

Bandura (1977) posits that human behaviour is learnt observationally through

modeling. Through observation one forms an idea about behaviours, actions of

others, codes the behavior which later serves as a guide to actions. Nowadays

children are surrounded by many people of influence (models) such as parents,

teachers, television, characters and peer groups members. These models exhibit

various types of behaviour which is observed and might be imitated by children

with little regards as to whether the behaviour is ‘gender appropriate’ or not.

Bandura suggests that a child who has seen her parents being kind and caring will

32
tend to do the same. Conversely a child who has seen aggressive behaviour of

parents is likely to be violent in solving problems.

Reward or vicarious reinforcement is some of the factors that influence imitation.

A child that observes someone being rewarded for a certain conduct may be

influenced to take up the behavior that was rewarded. Therefore people around the

child will determine the way a child will respond to the behavior he or she imitates.

If a child got rewarded by imitating the behaviour of a model, he/she is likely to

continue with that behaviour. Therefore students are more likely to imitate

behaviors exhibited by adults. The behavior of parents, friends and teachers can

influence or define the behavior expected from a student. Through observing

teacher’s behavior, the students maybe encouraged or discouraged from similar

behaviours. If youth see their teachers go on strike to demand for their rights

(which they usually get after strike), or watch television programmes on violence

or society does not respect authority, then nothing will present them to also go on

strike or be deviant so as to express their anger. According to Osofky (1995)

Children learn that violence is a means to control others, especially when it occurs

in family relationships and perpetrators go un-punished.

33
CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

Research design simply means the plan or blue-print on how to go about data

collection and analysis all aimed at providing solution to the problem under

investigation. Anikpu (1986) defined a design as a plan or structure of any aspect

of the research procedure. Such a plan according to him will be realized in the

selection of the most appropriate concepts, hypothesis, analytical paradigms,

specific sampling techniques, instruments and tools of data collection, test for

hypothesis and also the most effective format to present research project.

Thus in this, we shall adopt survey research According to Nworgu (2006) survey

research is one in which group of people or items are studied by collective and

analyzing data only from few persons or items considered to be representing the

entire group. Therefore such representation is called a sample. Additionally,

According to Okebaram (2014), a survey research is a method of gathering

information about human population which involves contact with the unit of study.

The study population comprised of the principal, teachers and all students in the

community secondary school located at Likuyani in Kakamega county, Kenya. The

sample for the study included the 450 teachers secondary level and also the

34
strength of the students were altogether (1, 250 students) in the school, which 50

students were selected randomly, also 150 teachers were selected out of the (450

teachers). The method of data collection was based on a stratified random sampling

technique. The data collected were from the prospective of the teachers, as well as

the students as they are both the respondents in the study.

3.2 SOURCE OF DATA

The source of data for this study includes both primary and secondary source of

data. The primary data was collected or gotten through well-structured and

organized questionnaires in order to get the necessary data for this study. The

questionnaires shall be structured and unstructured; that is, both close and open

ended format shall be used to organize the questionnaires.

The secondary source of data was gotten through textbook, Journals, Online

materials, news papers and other literatures relevant to the study.

35
3.3 POPULATION OF STUDY

The study of population comprised of all the students in Matunda Secondary

School with a population of (1,250) One thousand, two hundred and fifty a from

form one to form four, of which the population of the total people in the whole

sub-county is about 176,000 persons. Source: (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics,

2019)

3.4 STUDY SAMPLE/TECHNIQUE

The sample was made up of two (200) hundred respondents which are purely

students and teachers. Simple random sampling technique was used to select these

respondents.

3.5 INSTRUMENT OF DATA COLLECTION

The generic tools for data collection are questionnaires, interview and observation.

The questionnaires for this study shall be structured in both close and open ended

format.

36
3.5.1 VALIDITY OF INSTRUMENT USED

The validity of a measuring instrument may therefore be defined as the extent to

which differences in scores on it reflect true differences among individual on the

characteristics that are being measured rather than constant or random errors.

According to Anastasi (1968) the validity of a test concerns what a test measured

and how well it does so.

3.5.2 RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

Reliability therefore refers to the ability of an instrument to produce the same

consistent result overtime when applied to the same sample. Therefore in order to

ensure the reliability of the instrument used, this study shall adopt the test retest

method. This method assumes that people maintain consistent views or belief

overtime if certain conditions remain stable. It is on this basis that a reliability test

shall be conducted at two different periods to establish whether there is

consistency.

3.6 METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

This study shall adopt quantitative method of data analysis which entails the

application of numbers and figures to the primary data we generate with a view to

37
analyzing them and consequently drawing certain inference or deduction to the

population which we are investigating (Blank 1998) thus, in this study, each

questionnaire sought to respond dichotomous scale. That is yes or no, agree or

disagree. Frequently count shall be made for response options in order to generate

quantitative data for analysis using table.

38
CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 INTRODUCTION

The study is set out to analyze the causes of indiscipline among secondary school

students in Matunda Secondary School in Likuyani Sub-county.

The distribution of respondents by sex

GENDER F %
MALE 140 70%
FEMALE 60 30%
TOTAL 200 100%
Analysis of my sample of 200

140 (70%) are males

60 (30%) are females

Educational Qualification %

JSCE 20 10%

SSCE (SS1-SS3) 75 37.5%

OND 55 27.5%

BSC 50 25%
200

PIECHART

39
 20 360
JSSCE ¿ 100 × 1 =36 %

37.5 360
SSCE (SS1-SS3) ¿ 100 × 1 =135 %

27.5 360
OND ¿ 100 × 1 =99 %

25 360
BSC ¿ 100 × 1 =90 %

Distribution of Respondents

JSCE; 36%; 10%

BSC; 90%; 25%

OND; 99%; 28% SSCE (SS1-SS3); 135%; 38%

Table1. Which are the prevalent causes of indiscipline in Otuoke Community in

Bayelsa State?

Responses N Agree % Disagree %

40
Late coming 200 185 92.5% 15 7.5%
Bunking Lessons 200 170 85% 30 15%
Drug Abuse 200 165 82.5% 35 17.5%
Bullying 200 155 77.5% 45 22.5%
Night Party 200 180 90% 20 10%
Average 200 171 85.5% 29 14.5%

Table2. What are the major causes of indiscipline among secondary school

students in Otuoke Community School in Bayelsa State?

Responses N Agree % Disagree %

Home background 200 183 91.5% 17 8.5%
Abolition 200 130 65% 70 35%
Teachers Abolition 200 142 71% 58 29%
Peer Pressure 200 190 95% 10 5%
Infrastructural facilities 200 150 75% 50 25%

make students rudely

Community Leaders 200 120 60% 80 40%
Average 200 152.5 76.25% 47.5 23.75%
4.1 DATA ANALYSIS

In addressing the question1 that says; which are the prevalent causes of

indiscipline? Responses were collected via questionnaire and analyzed using

percentages.

In Table1, the opinion of the respondents varied on the prevalent cases of

indiscipline given by 185 of the respondents (92.5%) was the late coming students

in the school. Another important response given by 170 of the respondents (85%)

was the issue of bunking lessons. Drug abuse (82.5%) and the bullying among
41
many students (77.5%). The other includes night party attended by students (90%).

On the average 171 of the respondents (85.5%) claimed that all the items listed in

Table1 were the prevalent causes of indiscipline in secondary school in the state.

Question 2: What are the major causes of indiscipline among secondary school

students inn ?

Responding to this Question, data of different views of the respondents were

employed on the major causes of indiscipline in Matunda Secondary School

School in the State among students. 183 of the respondents (91.5%) claimed that it

is home background. Other respondents pointed out the issue of abolition of

corporal punishment (65%), teacher’s abolition (71%). Others

claimed that it is peer pressure (95%). Infrastructural facilities making students to

behave unruly (75%) and Community leaders (60%). On the average, (152.5) of

the respondents (76.25%) claimed that all the above were employed or pointed out

as the major causes of indiscipline in the secondary school stated.

Again, Question 3 was on open ended question that bolstered that data from the

close ended Question.

42
What are the measures that should be taking to tackle indiscipline? Suggest

answers were;

i. Use of encouragement, affirmation and rewards

ii. Working with parents/community leaders

iii. Use of sanction

4.2 TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS

H1: There is no correlation between parental influence and upbringing of the

child contributing to the indiscipline of the child.

In testing the hypothesis, data regarding to home background were collected and

91.5% shows that to an extent there is a correlation between parental influence and

the upbringing of the child contributing to the indiscipline of the child. Hence the

Null hypotheses were rejected.

H2: There is no correlation between peer group influences among students in

the area of indiscipline. In testing the hypothesis, data were collected and it was

suggested that 95% shows that truly students are affected by peer pressure

therefore making the hypothesis valid as against Null.

43
In conclusion, measures were taken to discourage indiscipline in schools (Matunda

Secondary School School) measures taken to discourage indiscipline among

students were:

i. Use of encouragement, affirmation and rewards

ii. Working with parents and community leaders

iii. Use of sanction

iv. Advice on the kind of peer group the students elope themselves with.

44
CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 INTRODUCTION

5.1 SUMMARY

The foregoing shows the analysis of data collected for this study. As indicated in

the findings, one important cause of indiscipline among secondary school students

in secondary schools is the influence of peer pressure groups of peer groups. This

shows that there has been no strict penalty imposed on certain groups of students

involved in diverse criminal acts, many students continued to get involved in other

immoral acts like examination malpractice, bullying, drug Abuse etc. It implies

that since there is no strict punishments given to offenders to serve as a deterrent to

others, indiscipline among students in schools remain uncurbed.

Another cause as perceived by the research findings gotten from the respondents

was the parental influence towards their children in encouraging indiscipline. This

implies that parent themselves contribute to one way or the other to instilling forms

of indiscipline in their children. Parents do this by quarreling and fighting in the

presence of their children thereby encouraging them to practice what they see not

just only in the future but amongst their selves in school, there is this saying that

charity begins at home and sociologically the family is the first phase of

45
socialization. Having seen the act done by their parents, the children tend to

practice quarreling and fighting in school.

Also some parents contribute to helping their children to have the spirit of

examination malpractice and cheating in exams. They do so as far as going to the

extent of arranging special centers for their children to sit and pass freely for

external exams. Some also go to the extent of seeing teachers or lecturers on behalf

of their children performance in school. All these above practices by some parents

give students the room or morale to engage in all sorts of examination malpractices

and start indulging in examination cheating during exams due to the fact that their

parents in one way or the other has encouraged them into practicing it.

Again, Drug abuse was also found among the students lifestyle. Most of the

students in secondary school have the habit of drinking alcohol, taking un-

prescribed pills (Tramadol) etc. When with their peers most of them see drinking

as a prerequisite for acceptance into a group where as inability to do what others

are doing is often seen as a threat to the group.

All the findings discussed relating to this research shows that indiscipline is not

carried out on self will but by the influence of parents, peer groups which is in one

way or the other supports or promotes in-disciplinary act amongst students.

46
5.3 RECOMENDATION

Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that teachers should be

well trained and devoted, disciplined and hardworking in order to present

appropriate model to students. Hence, there should be strict penalty given to a

group of students involve in criminal acts so as to serve as a lesson to others.

Concerted efforts should be made in enhancing discipline among students through

the counseling services in school in other to prevent them from acts of indiscipline

and the dangers or effects it will have on one’s future.

Student’s whistle blowers should be implemented in order to checkmate cultist

activities, rape, theft etc. There should be increased effort by the principals of

schools and examination boards in enhancing the effective supervision of students

during examination in order to discourage exam malpractice. To control

indiscipline in our secondary schools, the adults that the students look upon as

pace-setters should desist from indiscipline, however it is the duty of parents,

religions organizations to instill the fear of God into children with respect for

elders and the societal norms.

47
5.2 CONCLUSION

Considering the findings of this study, it was concluded that student engagement in

in-disciplinary act is not based on genetic but rather it was based on socialization.

The children became immoral or undisciplined when they started socializing with

their peer group. Homes and the environment of the school also contributed to

influencing them.

The parents and the schools and the society in general have a role to play in

curbing the in-disciplinary act among secondary school students. Their roles will

go along way as serving as the effective measures needed to be taken in addressing

the issue of indiscipline among secondary school students.

48
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50