Student Disciplinary Challenges in Obuasi Secondary Technical School: The Perspective of Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the disciplinary problems of students in the Obuasi Secondary Technical School from the perspective of teachers. Mixed methods approach was adopted for the study. A sample of 44 teachers was used for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire and an interview guide. The results revealed that truancy/lateness, dress code violation and disrespect for teachers were the major disciplinary problems experienced in Obuasi Secondary Technical School. Again, it was revealed that the major sources of disciplinary problems among students were poor economic background, bad parenting, peer pressure, student's inability to cope with the academic task, inappropriate handling of concerns of students by teachers and authorities and cultural influence. In addition, the study showed that indiscipline acts in schools had adverse impact on both academic and administration work. Finally, the study revealed that punishment was used as a major strategy to deal with disciplinary problems. Punishments have included strategies such as signing bonds of good behaviour and practical performances such as packing dining hall bowls, weeding or sweeping their classroom, internal suspension and external suspensions. It was recommended that schools have a functioning disciplinary committee that sees to cases of indiscipline of students and which should be headed by a trained guidance counsellor. Keywords: Discipline, Indiscipline DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-20-16 Publication date: July 31 st 2020