Disciplinary Approaches, Case Study in Nigeria
Disciplinary Approaches, Case Study in Nigeria
Disciplinary Approaches, Case Study in Nigeria
UMARU ABDULLAHI
Department of Education
Yobe State University, Damaturu
E_Mail: abdullahiumar310@gmail.com
TABITHA MUSA
Department of Educational Foundation,
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
E_Mail: tessykukhad@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper discusses the rethinking strategies of managing discipline among senior secondary
school students in Nigeria. The paper posits that the causes and kinds of disciplinary problems
experienced are determinant of disciplinary measures to be taken. To this end, truancy,
absenteeism, fighting, stealing and drug addiction among others are typical examples of
disciplinary problems experienced in Nigerian secondary schools. While parental/home, political,
social and economic, school environment, school curriculum and peer group influence among
others are the causes of disciplinary problems. The paper asserts that discipline is not necessarily
punishment but punishment is one of the disciplinary measures in school. Finally, the paper
recommends moral punishment and well spelt out code of conduct for all students to follow in
secondary schools in Nigeria as measures to ensure discipline among students .
Introduction
prevailing problem affecting schools not only in Nigeria but also across the many
nations around the world (Rosen, 1997). Student’s misconduct in the classroom
interferes with teaching and learning and is thought to be precursor to later school
dropout and similar negative social outcomes.
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There is every reason to know the causes of these ugly actions and reactions in our
institute of learning. In Nigeria for instance, the ills and vices that go on in the
society have their effects in schools. Students, teachers and even school managers
are involved in one form of indiscipline or the other. Generally speaking, some of
the causes are;
Parental/Home Factor
Most researchers (Alidzulwi, 2000; Bowman, 2004 and Varma, 1993) regard
parents as of the greatest importance in creating a conducive teaching and learning
atmosphere. It seems that the lack of parental involvement is the major cause of
disciplinary problems in secondary schools. Alidzulwi (2000), points out that
many parents are not involved in the education of their children, causing poor
results, high dropout rates, and the absence of discipline in schools. Bowman
(2004) is of the opinion that parent’s failure to teach their children discipline is
identified as the greatest contributing factor to disciplinary problem in schools.
Varma (1993) also points out that those learners who behave badly at school do
not receive proper discipline at home. According to Lewis (1991), this situation
arises within most families where children feel rejected. This finding (the
significant relationship between isolation and poor behavior) is supported by
Butchart in 1998 when he indicates that emotional disconnection from family,
friends, and peers results in feelings of isolation and alienation for the child.
When analyzing the inability of parents to take care of their children on all socio-
economic levels and in all racial groups, Rossouw (2003) regards the decline in
discipline in most schools as originating from the communities rather than from
schools. Stressing that parents show a lack of tolerance and respect towards
government authorities as well as towards educators, and some have a laissez-
faire approach towards their children. Some other factors related to the lack of
parental involvement in schools that influence discipline are, single parent homes;
a lack of parental control at home; the negative influence of television;
neighbourhood and community problems that influence the home; and values
differences between the home and the school. These factors will seriously affect
positive behaviours as well as academic performance of students if not control in
secondary school in Nigeria.
Politics, the society and economic situations has proved to underlie indiscipline.
The political situation in Nigeria is also blamed for children’s misbehavior.
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Rossouw (2003) states that the involvement of the youth in the political stability
and national elections in 1999 caused them to develop arrogance towards adults,
that is, both educators and parents”. He also blames the political situation of the
nineties in Nigeria where the causes of violence in schools were politically
motivated. Children who experience social alienation from others are often
misbehaved. According to Butchart, (1998), “These feelings experienced by the
child may ultimately develop into what is referred to as psychological pains,
which may cause problems such as physical assault, gang violence, substance
abuse, and many others”.
The peer group influences what the child values, knows, wears, eats and learns.
The extent of this influence however depends on other situational constraints, such
as the age and personality of children and the nature of the group (Harris, 1998;
Hartup, 1983). There is no doubt that considerable evidence supports the
statement that peer relationships influence the growth of problem behaviour in
youth. The peer group can demand blind obedience to a group norm, which can
result in socially alienated gangs with pathological outlooks (Perry, 1987). Douge,
(1993) indicated that poor peer relationships were closely associated with social
cognitive skill deficits. Seita, Mitchell and Tobin (1996) reported that when the
family has been unable to fully meet a child’s needs, other adults who play a
significant role in the child’s life have extraordinary potential for influencing the
child in taking charge of his or her life. It is worth noting that peer influence can
lead to discipline problems and delinquent behaviours both inside and outside
school. It is also clear that one of the major ways that deviant youths become even
more deviant is through unrestricted interaction with deviant peers. Hartung
(1965) posited that criminality is socio-culturally learned in the process of
interacting with family members and peers in small intimate groups. This process
includes learning the techniques to commit delinquent acts and developing the
rationalizations to protect one’s self-concept.
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Disciplinary strategies in secondary schools being the central focus of this paper,
it is important to note that disciplinary action must commensurate with offence
committed. Geiger, (2000) regarded a lack of discipline as a chronic problem in
the classroom, and the manner in which it is being handled as determining the
amount of learning that is taking place in schools. While Fuentes, (2003) indicated
that every year more than three million students are suspended and nearly 100 000
more are expelled from primary up to university in the United States of America.
Many learners face police action for disciplinary strategies that merit offence
committed.
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receive no credit. Stressing that students only report in school but serve
punishment like cutting grass or digging holes or uprooting a plant or work
in school farm.
Praise and Blame: The teacher must be very careful in his allocation of
praise and blame. Tongue is said to be most powerful weapon in the
teacher’s armory and its use may vary from a mild reproof to the bitterest
sarcasm and vulgar abuse. Wasmund (1965) described sarcasm as a
weapon which is sometimes resorted to by the teacher, which creates a
conflict between the teacher and the student easily. Stressing that sarcasm
lower the self-respect of the pupil, tampers with his or her ego and
permanently estrange him from the teacher and the school order.
Rewards: There is a belief that reward is not only right and desirable but
also indispensable. Rewards can be given for attendance, conduct,
progress, games, badges and certificates may be given as rewards. Group
rewards might be given, for pupils will become socio-centric not
egocentric. Teamwork can be fostered and wholesome all school spirit can
be secured.
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For the school system to achieve its desired goals, disciplinary strategies must be
properly enforced. Again, if discipline is to be effective, it should;
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Mutual respect between the teacher and the students should be maintained.
Maintain or enhance motivation if possible.
Hold a coaching/counselling meeting as soon as possible when the problem is first
identified.
Always hold the meeting in private. If disciplinary action is taken in front of
others, the students are likely to become defensive and less open.
During the disciplinary meeting;
- Review the facts and state the problem in terms of desired performance
and actual performance.
- Give the student a chance to explain or ask why the problem is occurring.
- Listen to what the student has to say.
- Explain the relational for the policy or rule that was violated.
- Ask the student for possible solutions to the problem.
- Clearly communicate the changes that needed to be made and the time
frame to making them.
- Express confidence in the student’s ability to change/improve. End on a
positive note.
Recommendations
School management should approach the problem of discipline with empathy for
the possible problems the learners may be experiencing at home or at school that
cause their poor behavior. This necessitates the services of guidance and
counsellors to efficient and effective in all schools.
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Moral punishment, rewards, praise and blame create room for reinforcement of
positive performance which is the guideline for the impulsiveness of the students
to bring about positive behaviours.
Parents should make education a priority for their children, this will make the
children achieve better and behave in an acceptable manner by enrolling and
encouraging school attendance.
Conclusion
References
Barrel, G. R. (1978). Teachers and the Law. Great Britain: Methuen and Co. Ltd.
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Harris, A. (2002). The New School Leader for the 21st Century. Oxford:
Scarecrow Press.
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Moodj, E. D. (1999). “Tuck in that shirt”. Race, class, gender and discipline in an
urban school. Sociological Perspectives, 48 (1): 25-48.
Rigby, K. (2000). Bullying in Schools and what to do about it? London: Jessica
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