Discipline in Achimota School: Yesterday and today

Abstract

Achimota School in the past was described as an ideal institution. Today however, Achimota School appears to be losing its glory. The research problem was to find out what had gone wrong and suggest ways of improving Achimota School. The study examined views held by 49 past students (Yesterday) and 172 present students (Today) on discipline and how views and actions of students affected Achimota School. It was a qualitative research. The study showed that 79.6% of the past students strongly agreed with the idealist concept which supports discipline based on sanctions. However 65.1 % of the present students strongly agreed with the naturalist concept which supports greater freedom. Both past and present students mentioned the following as the most serious indisciplinary acts: Examination malpractice (91.8%of Yesterday and 57.6% of Today), Substance abuse (93.8% of Yesterday and 62.8% of Today), Sexual Misconduct (89.8% of Yesterday and 53.4% of Today), Flouting Authority of staff and students (93.8% of Yesterday and 51.2% of Today) and stealing (93.8% of Yesterday and 76.3% of Today). These and other in disciplinary acts like occultism occurred more frequently today. This indicates indiscipline in Achimota is worst today than in the past. The study showed indisciplinary acts in Achimota have students, teachers, school and environment related causes and therefore suggested improved Christian teaching and worship, effective guidance and counseling, regular refresher courses for teachers and a strong Parent Teacher Association (PT A) as some remedies for improving discipline in Achimota School.