Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore Teachers’ Disciplinary Practices and their impact on learner behaviour in primary schools in the Hhohho region. The research employed mixed research methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select the most accessible research participants. Questionnaires, one on one interviews and observations were used as data collection instruments. Findings showed that there were several disciplinary practices that were used in primary schools by the teachers to curb students’ misbehaviour. The findings also indicated that the majority of participants were using guidance and counselling to discipline students. Furthermore, the study revealed that some traditional punitive disciplinary practices are not effective in curbing students’ misbehaviour in schools. Most public primary schools have embarked on the use of guidance and counselling as a measure to instil discipline. While disciplinary practices shape the overall school and classroom atmosphere, discipline affects students differently. The use of some disciplinary practices were found to contribute to poor academic performance. Considering the findings of this study, it was recommended that guidance and counselling training should be given to all teachers by the Ministry of Education and Training to help teachers get equipped with the necessary skills to handle students’ issues. Keywords : Classroom management, corporal punishment, discipline, positive discipline, punishment DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-34-08 Publication date: December 31 st 2019
Highlights
The issue with learner discipline has become a worldwide epidemic problem (Emekako, 2016)
Discussion of Findings 6.1 Disciplinary practices currently used by teachers in primary schools in the Hhohho region The findings of this study revealed that teachers in primary schools in the Hhohho region currently used suspension, guidance and counselling, manual activities, denial of privileges, corporal punishment, and parental involvement as disciplinary methods
Theme 6: Effects of parental involvement The findings of this study indicated that parental involvement helped to reduce learner misbehaviour because students were scared of their parents
Summary
The issue with learner discipline has become a worldwide epidemic problem (Emekako, 2016). The lack of learner discipline can really interfere with the teaching and learning process, and if learner misconduct is not handled properly education cannot be successful ((Kourkountas & Wolhuter, 2013). This problem manifests itself in a variety of ways, which include vandalism, truancy, smoking, disobedience, intimidation, delinquency, murder, assault, rape, theft and general violence (Moyo, Khewu & Bayaga, 2014). MacNabb (2013) suggests that there are a number of discipline strategies which students perceive to be more common in classes Some of these strategies appear to be of limited usefulness in promoting responsible student behaviour. There are strategies that may be more productive, resulting in less misbehaviour and more responsibility (Agesa, 2015)
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