Improving discipline in Christ Ebenezer preparatory and junior high school, Darkuman, Accra

Abstract

Indiscipline in schools in Ghana is a concern to administrators, teachers, parents and even students. Most common acts of indiscipline among students include stealing, cheating in examinations, lateness to school and absenteeism. The objectives of this study were to identify the factors contributing to students indiscipline, prevalence of these acts of indiscipline and measures to adopt to deal with indiscipline among the students of Christ Ebenezer Preparatory and Junior High School, Darkuman in Accra. The study was guided by four research questions. The study was carried out using students and all teachers from the Christ Ebenezer Preparatory and Junior High School as respondents. Data were collected using questionnaire as instrument. The questionnaire was validated by experts. The reliability coefficients from 0.933 to 0.979 were established using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient reliability technique. The data collected were analysed using frequency and percentage values. The findings showed that peer pressure and imitation of negative attitudes from films mostly contributed to student indiscipline in the school. Also, stealing and lateness to school ranked topmost among disciplinary problems. Lastly, some recommendations which include the following had been put forward to address the indiscipline: Adults should get involved in school activities and act as mentors to counsel students to impart values that would endow students with acceptable social skills. Parents should play active role in nurturing their own children and propose norms and values to be respected and followed.