Indiscipline among Junior High School Students in Nkoranza District: Causes, Effects and the Way Forward

Abstract

The aim of the research was to find out the causes, effects and solutions to indiscipline among students in selected junior secondary schools in the Nkoranza district. Questionnaires were given the teachers, headmasters and their assistants while students were interviewed. The information gathered were analysed and general conclusions made about the results which were for the total percentages for all students, teachers, heads and assistants. The subjects were ninety (90) students comprising of thirty (30) from each of the three schools. Additionally, there were six (6) teachers from each of the three (3) schools making eighteen (18) including heads and assistants. The analysis showed that most respondents agreed on the idealistic concept of discipline. It was also established that, indiscipline was caused by both “internal” and “external” factors. There was no general agreement between students and educators on acts of indiscipline that were considered as serious or not. However, there was a definite agreement among the respondents on the method of ensuring discipline. Rudeness to those in authority came out as the worst kind of behaviour in the school. (Table 19) 72.3% of students, 55.3% of teachers and 98.1% of heads and assistants considered it a serious kind of behaviour. Some recommendations were made as a result of the study. This included the appointment of a fulltime Guidance and Counseling coordinator to each school to ensure the establishment of self-discipline among students. Another recommendation was that students should be involved in decision-making process in the schools