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PROBLEMS OF INDISCIPLINE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KOSOFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE

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Abstract

This study investigated the problems of indiscipline on the academic performance of secondary school students in Kosofe local government area of Lagos state. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. 196 secondary school students formed the sample while simple random sampling technique was used to select secondary school students from four Senior Secondary schools in Kosofe Local Government in Lagos State. Thirty Senior Secondary school students were randomly sampled from each school. A self-developed questionnaire of 21 items was used to collect information from the students after its validity was determined. Four hypotheses were tested in the study while Inferential Statistics of Pearson product moment correlation statistical tool was used for hypothesis testing at 0.05 levels of significance. The study revealed the following results: there is no significant influence of truancy on students’ academic performance, there is no significant influence of che

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow and children are always described as the pride and wealth of any nation. Due to these reasons, the future of any nation depends largely on the young ones who constitute the human and potential resources needed for the continued existence of the society. In order for any nation to achieve a sustainable development, the younger population must not only be preserved but also be disciplined. Over the last decade there has been an increasing concern among educators in Nigeria regarding students’ indiscipline and disrespect to school authorities. This Indiscipline has been over time an issue of concern for educators, Policy makers, public opinion and the society in general.

Research consistently documents that school indiscipline reduces teaching hours as more time is devoted to managing student’s misbehaviors rather than on teaching. School Indiscipline owing to outbreak of aggressiveness among peers, violence within teachers to student’s relationship  and vandalism, truancy bullying, alcohol and substance abuse, inability and unwillingness to do assigned class work or homework, refusal to take given orders, teasing of other learners, disrespecting educators, swearing at educators or other learners, carrying dangerous weapons to school, threatening other learners  with dangerous weapons, assaulting other learners,  thus leading to perpetual existence of problem of drop outs, deviant behaviours, examination malpractices, lateness and above all poor academic performance among students. Idu and Ojedapo (2011) and Tunor (2011).   

 

Discipline is probably one of the most difficult and unpleasant part of teaching profession because the teacher is faced with the challenges of educating, socializing, empowering and certifying students, but this is only possible with the help of good teaching atmosphere (Fafunwa, 2009; Farrant, 2004).

Indiscipline is a multifaceted phenomenon regarding its did plays and causes as well as its meanings and functions in the social, psychological and pedagogical fields. The problem of indiscipline permeates all facets of the life of man and has brought man down to the knees. According to the Bible (Christian’s holy book) it was the sin of Disobedience that sent the first man and woman Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. The sin of disobedience is actually a case of indiscipline to laid down rules and regulations by the constituted authority (God) in which he instructed them not to do something, which they later did and had to face the consequences.

 

School indiscipline according to Gaustard (2005) has two main objectives. The first is to ensure the safety of staff and students while the second is to create an environment conducive for learning. Acts of indiscipline occasioned by students’ misconduct involving violent and criminal behavior defeats the goals of education.

Acts of indiscipline if allowed to incubate under current favourable conditions by education providers and consumers could hatch a monster that will be difficult to exterminate. Idu and Ojedapo (2011) and Tunor (2011). Minor samples of the envisioned problems are being encountered in the nation’s economic front.  Many indeed believe that the current economic woes arising from corruption, robbery, assassination, kidnapping, smuggling and pipeline vandalisation are progenies of school indiscipline. Court injunctions and orders are indiscriminately flouted not only by those who make or interpret the law, but also by those who took the oath to defend the laws of the land. These acts of indiscipline in our national life most likely began as a mustard seed of disobedience in the school.

 

School indiscipline is a very important and crucial issue hindering the normal development of youths in the society especially students in post primary schools. Indiscipline as it concerns achievement of educational goals has received a lot of attention. According to Edem (1982), Indiscipline as the violation of school rules and regulations which is capable of obstructing the smooth and orderly functioning of the school system should be consequently avoided through perfect orientation of students and imposition of positive sanctions in the case of obvious violation of order.

Indiscipline is the ability of students to respect authority, observe and obey school rules and regulations which in turn affect their academic performance. When a student misses or skips classes continuously no doubt that will lead to poor performance in his academics. Same goes for truancy, absteenism, late coming to mention a few.

The purpose of this study is to explore the Problems of indiscipline and its influence on the Academic Performance of Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos State.

 

The problem of indiscipline affects all schools irrespective of gender and school type though the degree and magnitude vary from school to school. Cases of violence though common, occur more often outside than on the school premises. The measures taken to deal with indiscipline are barely adequate given the fact that there exist no administrative or legal guidelines which one could refer to in the case such issues or situation arises. Actions taken are often ad-hoc and uncoordinated both within and across schools of the same type. Teachers most predominately feel disempowered to deal with cases of indiscipline because of lack of support from relevant authorities, political interference and incapacitated school administration.

 

In this study, we would be looking at the term discipline, Indiscipline and its influence on academic performance.  Discipline globally views could be termed to mean training that enables an individual to develop an orderly conduct and self –control as well as self direction Egwunyenga (2000). Therefore Discipline defines the limitations of an individual or group of people. It is the practice of restraint, which may be self- imposed. Relating it to our schools, Adeshina (1980) described it as a situation whereby students are taught to respect the school authorities, to observe the school laws and regulations and to maintain established standard of behavior. In other words, respect for self and others.

 

Boakye (2006) defines discipline as the obedience of rules and orders and a manifestation of an outward mark of respect in accordance with standing agreements. School discipline is an essential element in school administration. This is because discipline is a mode of life in accordance with laid down rules of the society to which all members  must conform and the violation of which are questionable . Indiscipline is seen as a process of training and learning that fosters growth and development. Imaguezor (1997). The aim of discipline is therefore to help the individual to be well adjusted, happy and useful in school and also in the society. The doctrine of school discipline according to Nolte (1980) and Barrell (1978) is based on the concept of “loco parentis” which allows school authority full responsibility for children’s upbringing, the right of discipline and control. In other words, teachers have the right to punish students who contravene school rules/laws.  This discipline refers to a systematic instruction given to a student. To discipline means to instruct a person to follow a particular code of conduct. According to Adesina (1990), discipline is the readiness or ability to respect authority and observe conventional or established laws of the society or of any other organization. Discipline implies self-control, restraint, and respect for oneself and others. In a nutshell, school discipline refers to regulation of children and maintenance of school rules or order. These rules may for example define the expected standards of clothing (school uniform), timekeeping, social behavior among classmates and general school ethics. Discipline therefore calls for sacrifice, perseverance, and tolerance in our schools in order to achieve academic excellence.

 

Indiscipline, on the other hand, is misbehaviour in any or all of the following areas: respect for school authority, obedience of rules, laws and regulation and maintenance of established standards of behaviour.

Adesina (1990), also argues that discipline is coined from a Latin word “Discipulus” meaning to learn. It therefore calls for the submission of one