Dr.
Abdalle
CHAPTER 6
DISCIPLINE AND SCHOOL ADMIISTRAT ION
Meaning of Discipline
The word discip line is derived from the Latin word discipulus which means to learn. It
means group of people are bound b y rules and regulations toward s attainment of a common
goals. The term discipline is construed in different forms such as; d iscipline as punishment,
discipline as control, as training, and as learning. Umukoro (1997) posited that discipline is
training or learning by an individual to attain self-control, self-will, self direction to act in a
proper or right manner at the right time and place without forced to do so. Idoghor (2001 )
opines that discipline imp lies procedure and rules, which lead a child to manage his/her
behavioural patterns b y self in order to be ab le to act in a socially acceptable manner.
Olagboye (2004) has also posited that discipline may be considered as the readiness and
ability of students and teachers to respect the constituted authority, observe and obey school
rules and regulations, and to maintain a high standard of behaviour necessary for the smooth
running of the teaching - learning process.
Meaning of Indiscipline
Indiscipline is the direct opposite of discipline i.e. lack of discipline. Dittimiya (1995)
defines indiscipline as any act that does not confirm to the societal value and norms. Out
(1995) also defines it as unruly acts and behaviours, acts of lawlessness and disobedience to
school rules and regulations.
The Purpose of School Discipline
1. To facilitate and enhance the attainment of the goals of the school,
2. to create a conducive teaching and learning environment,
3. to produce cultured citizens who will have respect for themselves and others in the society,
4. to help individuals to do the right thing all the time without any compulsion,
5. to produce loyal and respectful citizens,
6. to help student to develop and have respect for the constituted authority, and
7. to facilitate the creation of a disciplined society where people of various interests learn
free and apply the norms and values of that society.
Dr. Abdalle
Causes of Indiscipline in Schools
There are many factors responsible for indiscipline acts among the students in the schools.
The behaviour of the students usually reflects the society in which they are brought up. Since
they are products of the society, they mostly exhibit and share in values and belief. The
causes of indiscipline in the schools are therefore traceable to the parents at home, the
headmaster/headmistress or principal, the teachers in the school the peer group, the
government and the general public.
1. The Parent s
Many parents have abandoned the responsibility of taking care of their children. Some
parents have little or no time for the children who are left in the care of house; hence many of
these children pick up the behaviour of the house help s which they exhibit in schools.
(ii) The School Staff
The attitude of teachers to work, teachers appearance (i.e. dressing) and illicit relationship
with students, failure to prepare for class work/lesson, teachers involvement in examination
malpractices, cultism, illegal school fees collection/other fees, poor learning environment
and the like breed indiscipline among the students.
(iii) The School Head
The inability of the school head master/mistress or principal to provide or influence have a
say in the provision of adequate facilities, employment of qualified staff, encouragement to
teachers, and ad mission of students with poor academic standard into schools may
degenerate into various acts of indiscipline on the part of the students whenever there is need
to show their disagreement with some of the policies of the school head .
(iv) The Peer Group
Once a child is of school-going age, he/she sp ends more time with peers outside the family
where the child is exposed to various pressures from the peers and with this, there is the
possibility that the child may be more influenced by the peer s character where he/she spends
most of the time than home where less of the child s active time is spent, because the peers
are in the same age bracket with him. The pressure from the peers as
Ho w to Cont rol Indiscipline in the Schoo ls
Dr. Abdalle
Indiscipline is an act that can better be prevented than corrected . The following precautions
are necessary y to prevent occurrence or re-occurrence of indiscipline acts among the
students in schools.
i. Basic Managerial Skill The school head should acquire basic managerial skill through
training, and seminars to improve the technical skills of the school head as well as to
improve the knowledge of school head administrative techniques, and procedures in order to
foster and enhance discipline in school.
ii. Appointment of Dedicated Trained Teachers Dedicated professional trained teachers are
those with professional competence who can bring the desired level of professionalism into
teaching by ensuring that students comply with the laid down rules and regulations and
ensure that culprits are brought to book.
iii. School Head Should Leading by Example - Indiscipline can be reduced in schools
when the school heads and other staff members are disciplined and those who are not
disciplined among them should be read y to lose the right of forcing others to be d isciplined.
iv. Prioritize Student Welfare The school management must give high priority to the
welfare of the students b y providing health centres, sports facilities, conducive learning
environment, water, regular electricity and meet with the students on regular basis to know
their needs, and let them know why some of their demand s may not b e met if any.
v. Establishment of Guidance and Counseling Service This service will promote discipline
in schools because the service will assist the maladjusted students in the areas in emotional,
social and personal adjustments. This will reduce frequent indiscipline acts among the
students.
vi Teaching of Moral and Religious Studies In schools where we have moral and religion
education, more emphasis should b e laid on it and where there is none, it should be
introduced. This will instill the fear of God in the students, d raw them more closer to God,
and make them more obedient than before
vii. Establishment of Parent Teachers Association This is a forum where the school head
can brief the parents and guardians of students on various acts of indiscipline found among
the stud ent and issues related to disciplinary matters could also b e discussed. This forum
Dr. Abdalle
will allow parents and the school staff to join teach together to enforce discipline on the
students.