ASSESSMENT OF DISCIPLINE SYSTEMS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
This research undertook an assessment of discipline techniques in the management of public secondary schools in Jigawa State, Nigeria, five objectives were formulated among which are: determine the maintenance of examination ethics in public secondary schools in Jigawa State; assess the maintenance of punctuality in public secondary schools in Jigawa State; examine students’ disciplinary management system in public secondary schools in Jigawa State; discipline techniques on communication in public secondary schools and examine the management of truancy in public secondary schools in JigawaState.The research questions and hypothesis were in line with the objectives.Relevant literatures related to the study were reviewed; the study used descriptive survey method that covered all public secondary schools in Jigawa State with population of 6925 teachers, 583 principals and 154 supervisors; while sample size of 343 was used;the instrument used for the data collection was structured questionnaire; the instrument was validated by the supervisors; to ensure the reliability of the instrument, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) was used to determine the reliability at 0.86;The data were analyzed and interpreted through the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA). Out of the six hypotheses tested, only one was retained while five were rejected. The result showed that some aspects of discipline/indiscipline in public secondary schools in Jigawa State such as punctuality, examination malpractice, disciplinary management system, truancy among others were given little attention over the years due to low level of commitment on the part of stakeholders in the State. As a matter of emergency, there is need for more efforts by the relevant authorities with a view to ensure strict adherence of law and order for both teachers and students in public secondary schools in Jigawa State. Moreover, Irregularities in the maintenance of discipline in public secondary schools in the state should be addressed. Posters, lectures and videos that have a direct relevance to examination ethics should be prepared and presented to the students by the school authorities to enable them possess the pre-requisite knowledge of examinations guidelines in the schools.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page i
Title Page ii
Operational Definition of Terms xiii
List of Abbreviations xiv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTON
1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 3
1.3 Objectives of the Study 5
1.4 Research Questions 5
1.5 Hypotheses 6
1.6 Basic Assumptions 7
1.7 Significance of the Study 7
1.8 Scope of the Study 8
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction 10
2.2 Conceptual Framework 10
2.2.1 Concept of Assessment 11
2.2.2 Concept of Discipline 11
2.2.3 Concept of Indiscipline 26
| 2.2.4 Concept of Management | 34 | |
| 2.3 Theoretical Framework of the Study | 37 | |
| 2.4 Maintenance of Examination Ethics in Public Secondary Schools | 39 | |
| 2.5 Maintenance of Punctuality in Public Secondary Schools | 41 | |
| 2.6 Disciplinary Management Techniques in Public Secondary Schools | 45 |
2.7 Assessment of Discipline techniques on Communication in Public Secondary
Schools 51
2.8 Management of Truancy in Public Secondary Schools 53
2.9 Empirical Studies 56
2.10 Summary 67
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction 68
3.2 Research Design 68
3.3 Population of the Study 68
3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique 70
3.5 Instrumentation 71
3.5.1 Validity of the Instrument 71
3.5.2 Pilot Study 72
3.5.3 Reliability of the Instrument 72
3.6 Procedure for Data Collection 72
3.7 Method of Data Analysis 73
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction 74
4.2 Opinions Analysis of the Respondents 74
4.3 Hypotheses Testing 84
4.4 Summary of the Major Findings 91
4.5 Discussion of the Major Findings 92
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction 97
5.2 Summary 97
5.3 Conclusions 99
5.4 Recommendations 99
5.5 Suggestions for Further Studies 100
References 102
Appendices 110
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
Assessment: Means the act of making judgment
Discipline:Displaying habit of morality and obedience
Technique: Method of doing something by using special skill or knowledge
Management: The act of controlling and making decision
xii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
| A: | Agreed |
| ANOVA: | Analysis of Variance |
| D: | Disagreed |
| MOEST: | Ministry of Education Science and Technology |
| PPMC: | Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient |
| TVET: | Technical Vocational Education and Training |
| U: | Undecided |
xiii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Discipline is a rudimentary ingredient that plays a crucial role in school system, which insists onupholding the moral values of students. It comprises a wide spectrum of meaning, well from thenegative or positive perspective. However, it is humans’ immune to always focus on the negative smelland that would be considered a popular issue if it involves an individual or a group that claims anintimate relationship within a society.Lochan, (2010) aptly states that every child has a need to attend school. Schools are seen asprovider of education as education is an important process that each individual has to undergo in lifetoday. This is even so in this digital age as the world is more globalized and informationcommunication technology takes root in every aspect of our life. Thus, education is seen as the key tounlock the treasure-trove of knowledge.
There is often the saying that our youths are the leaders of tomorrow, but from what happens on a daily basis, one is forced to wonder if actually the youths are the future leaders of tomorrow, if they could actually be entrusted with the leadership roles of the futures, people from various works of life have expressed concern. Olusegun O. former president and head of state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria lamented over the rate of indiscipline in the Nigerian society. He challenged the youths and adults noting that they are suffering from what he called “social, moral, political and economic indiscipline” Daily Times 26 Dec (1985). Also former head of state GeneralIbrahim B.B (1985) confirmed the obvious fact thatthe rate of indiscipline and crime among youths was growing fast. He posited that “moral decadence is threatening the nation as evidenced by the “get rich quick syndrome” that pervaded all facts of the society.
Soet (2005), quoting Charles (2007), on attitude towards Education, stated that, teachers, parents, students and the public all place discipline at the top of their concern, with teachers ranking it at the top because it affects learning, their emotional lives and it outweighs all other factors combined in determining a teacher’s success, Jeng (2011) advises that students should understand that discipline is one of the most fundamental characteristics of human beings in school, in our homes and indeed everywhere in the world. Stakeholders concur that ensuring discipline in schools is top on the agenda because one cannot acquire knowledge without character. Soet (2005), in his study, “Perception of the causes of indiscipline among students in Mt. Elgon district.” asserts that, schools need discipline. It is the one thing in learning that everyone expects and wants. Most educators agree that discipline is the one thing that can make or break a school, for without it; a teacher’s finest efforts may go to zero.
Basically, discipline problems occur when a student refuses to obey rules of the school. Rules that deal with human actions will eventually be broken and require some sort of punishment. The concept of matching the punishment with the rule violation requires that the rules be presented in written format and that the punishment for violations be specified. Rules mustalso relate to the stated functions of education or the school process and.-again-, common sense must prevail in establishing disciplinary action for breaking a rule. Teachers, in making rules for individual classroom behavior, should constantly be reminded of this principle. Furthermore, all students must be aware and prudent of the rules before disciplinary action can be administered. It is important that parents cooperate with their child’s school, and not just leave the school alone in the dark. Discipline problems can be dealt with much more effectively if both parties could share the similar and ideal vision which, leads to prolific missions.
Adesina(1990) contends that conformity to norms is the atmosphere in which students accord due respect to school authorities, observe rules and regulations and maintain established standards of behaviors. No meaningful academic exercise, teaching and learning can take place where there is gross disrespect for laid down rules and regulations that streamline the conduct of both teachers and students. Conformity to these rules is essential for meaningful progress, thus the need for good academic planning in schools. This research work therefore intends to find out the impact of academic planning on the management of indiscipline in secondary schools in Jigawa state.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
It has been observed by the researcher that the present outcry of disciplinary problems among students may apparently be given rise to the allegation of the falling standard of education in Jigawa State, but it has brought to the public concern the issue of who is responsible for the apparent decline of the standard of secondary education in Jigawa State. It has been experienced from the time immemorial, but the magnitude with which it is manifesting itself in today’s schools is alarming. It manifests mainly in various unruly behaviors exhibited by students in and outside the school. It is therefore imperative that strategies to curb these problemsare devised in order to promote good behavior of students for effective learning.
Poor academic planning might be one of the major causes of indiscipline in secondary schools which may lead to examination malpractice among students and made many of them to be involved.
The incidence is fast becoming acanker worm that has eaten deep in to the fabric of our society and thereby constituting a greater threat to the stability of the nation. This therefore requires prompt attention from the educational planners and policy makers.In global journal of human social science linguistics and education vol. 13,it has revealed that many parents are not involved in the education of their children, causing poor results, high dropout rates, and the absence of discipline in schools. Political, school environment, curriculum and peer group were considered as causes of disciplinary problems. Students’ indiscipline has had a lot of negative effects on the school system and learning. Many academic calendars are being disrupted as a result of this indiscipline, and many students now form themselves into gangs, they threaten the life of fellow students and even teachers. It is as a result of this indiscipline that we now have secreted societies or secrete cults even in our primary and secondary schools. It is necessary for the nation to pay attention to the frequent indiscipline among our students, if it is to achieve fame and progress in all fields of human endeavor. This is because the fate of any nation depends on the youths it breeds, as they are the leaders of tomorrow. Disciplinetherefore involves the development of an informed conscience within the individual person as part of his or her personality. Discipline encompasses training of the mind and character of a person which result to self-control and a habit of obedience. The main reason why students attend school is to receive good education. Sound education can only be provided when there is discipline in schools. Discipline is the number one topicamong others in education. This is where the need to provide, effective planning in schools, arises
Discipline continues to be a growing problem in our schools. Students’ indiscipline generally militates against effective teaching, learning and production of useful members of society.
Ensuring discipline in schools should be the concern of everyone. It is important for thepeople to accept the fact that ensuring discipline is not the sole responsibility of teachersalone. Discipline problems in schools, have been serious breaches of school discipline policy that had profound negative effects on the schools. This was why Okumbe (2008) observedthat “one of the salient factors that attributes to the problem of indiscipline is peer groupinfluence. Negative attitude of their friends such as responsibilities, cooperation, time management, respecting adults, disobeying rules and regulations are some of the contributing factors from the peer-group for the prevailing problems”.
The focal problem of this study therefore, is to unveil the assessment of discipline techniques in the management of public secondary schools in Jigawa state, Nigeria.
1.3 Objectives of the Study This study is set to:
- Assess the maintenance of examination ethics in public secondary schools in Jigawa state
- Determine the maintenance of punctualityin public secondary schools in Jigawa State
- Assess the disciplinary management technique in public secondary schools in Jigawa
state.
- Ascertain discipline techniques on communication in public secondary schools in Jigawa state
- Examine the management of truancy in public secondary schools in Jigawa state
1.4Research Questions
The following research questions were raised for the study:
- To what extent do examination ethicsare compliedin public secondary schools in Jigawa
State?
- In what ways are punctual students been rewarded in public secondary schools in Jigawa state?
- What are students’ disciplinary management systems in public secondary schools in
Jigawa state?
- Is there maintenance of discipline techniques incommunication inpublic secondary schools in Jigawa state?
- Are there cases of truancy in public secondary schools in Jigawa state?
1.5 Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses were formulated for the study:
- There is no significant difference in the opinions of teachers, principals and supervisors on the maintenance of examination ethics in public secondary schools in Jigawa State.
- There is no significant difference in the opinions of respondents on the maintenance of punctuality in public secondary schools in Jigawa State.
- There is no significant difference in the opinions of respondents on students’ disciplinary management technique in public secondary schools in Jigawa State.
- There is no significant difference in the opinions of respondents on discipline techniques on communication in public secondary schools in Jigawa State.
- There is no significant difference in the opinions of respondents on the management of truancy in public secondary schools in Jigawa State.
1.6 Basic Assumptions
The following basic assumptions were postulated:
- It is assumed that if guidelines governing the conduct of examinations are well translated to students of secondary schools in Jigawa state, credible examinations will always be realized in the schools.
- Students are said to be punctual if school authority is innovative enough in keeping such students busy at school. For instance, if there are a number of extracurricular activities in school which students should participate, such will surely promote students’ punctuality in school.
- It is equally assumed that if strict measures are clearly enforced on any student found to be law breaker in school the cases of indiscipline in our secondary schools will drastically be reduced. In addition, law abiding students should be rewarded.
- If proper communication guidelines are stipulated in secondary schools in Jigawa State and students are properly monitored with respect to stipulated guidelines, students will surely communicate in the best way recommended.
- It is finally assumed that if parents and the school authority each other as partners in progress and work together to ensure that children attend school regularly, the problem of students’ truancy will be reduced if not totally eradicated.
1.7 Significance of the Study
This research work intends to explore the assessment of discipline techniques in the management of public secondary schools in Jigawa state, Nigeria. The importance of this study to the wider society cannot be over emphasized as it will serve as a guide in bringing about discipline back to life particularly in secondary schools. The study is expected to be beneficial in the following ways;
It will serve as a guide to the educational planners in the formulation of realistic policies especially policies on better ways to promote discipline in secondary schools in Jigawa state in particular and other educational institutions in general. This research work is equally important to supervisors, educational policy makers, curriculum experts as well as all other stakeholders in education industry. Also,this research is significant in that, it will serve as a guide for the subsequent researchers who may wish to carry out a similar research work. However, this research work may be helpful to the entire stakeholders in education to recognize their responsibilities more and discharge their statutory responsibility more efficiently for the attainment of the desired educational objectives. The study will also serve as a basis for educational planners, scholars, publishers and researchers for conducting researches on discipline indiscipline in secondary schools in particular and other educational institutions in general and the way forward so that the nation’s educational objectives will be realized.
Moreover, the study will be very useful because it will help to shade more lights on the meaning, types, causes, effects and possible solutions to the problems of indiscipline in secondary schools in Jigawa state in particular and the nation as a whole.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study is on the assessment of discipline techniques in the management of public secondary schools in Jigawa state. However, the study covers only public secondary schools within the state, the respondents considered in this study includes the principals, teachers, and supervisors respectively. The research is also limited to only public senior secondary schools in the state.
The research is also limited to identifying the various ways through which the problem of indiscipline will be addressed.
ASSESSMENT OF DISCIPLINE SYSTEMS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA