Examination of students' views on improving discipline in teacher training colleges: Implications for guidance and counselling

Abstract

The study was a case study designed to examine students’ views on improving discipline in a College of Education and its implications on guidance and counselling in Colleges of Education. A sample population of 244 students was selected to respond to a questionnaire. The data were analysed using frequency and percentage. The study revealed that students viewed the concept of discipline as punishment which was generally perceived as severe. Punishment in the College included withdrawing students’ privileges, in-school suspension and out-of-school suspension. They regarded the causes of indiscipline to be the result of lack of students’ participation in the decision making process of the school, inadequate guidance and counselling services. Students’ indiscipline was also attributed to bad training at home, students falling into bad company in school and lack of freedom for students. Students suggested that to foster discipline they prefer the use of guidance and counselling services to encourage students to improve their behaviour. On the basis of the findings and their suggestions, some recommendations were made to improve discipline in Colleges of Education. Students of colleges should be taught the value of self-discipline. Teaching of self-discipline will help students to know the value of discipline. Parents should be “life-models” for their children.