Students' participation in decision making at Fijai Secondary School

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to find out how student participation in decision making affects school administration. An attempt was made to identify areas that student could effectively contribute to the smooth running of school administration. The target population was all the teachers and students of Fijai Secondary School. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select 292 students and 32 teachers. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for the research study. The instruments were developed, discussed and streamlined with the assistance of my supervisor. The results indicate that both students and teachers agree that the students have been involved in some areas of School Administration such :.lS maintaining class discipline. keeping order in the dining hall and keeping order and cleanliness in the dormitory. The students are however not involved in areas like vetting of prefects, planning of the school menu and not being represented on disciplinary committee. On the basis of the findings of the study the following recommendations were made for future research. It is suggested that students' opinions should be considered in arriving at decisions that affect them. The following avenues should be visited by the headmaster in order to facilitate effective participation of students in school administration. Informal consultations. Introduction of suggestion boxes. Symposia.