Abstract:
Most studies done, have blamed unhealthy relationships and conflict in schools on poor
communication. Communication is the life blood, the righteous vein that conveys
directions with distinction in schools. Kenyan government has communication policies
ensuring quality education, but schools are still plagued with conflict. Communication
strategies like consultation and negotiation have always been suggested as the panacea for
the incessant conflict as teachers inform and engage students on school goals. This study
aims at investigating communication approaches used in conflict management in schools.
The study answers four questions: What are the main causes of conflict between teachers
and students resulting from poor communication in schools? What are the possible barriers
to communication encountered by teachers and students in conflict management in
schools? What are the communication approaches used by teachers to manage conflict in
schools? How can communication be utilized to create a conflict-free teaching and learning
environment at school? Empathic listening theory was incorporated in thematic data
analysis, which involved: transcription, coding and final report writing. Qualitative
approach, case study design and multiple case study method were used with purposive
sampling of twelve teachers and twelve students from six national schools in three North
Rift Counties of Kenya. Interviews, observation and document review generated data.
Findings reveal that teachers are the school spokespersons in conflict management yet they
lack training to handle communication during crises. Most teachers do not listen
empathically to students‟ issues so as to provide objective judgment in conflict
management in schools. Frequent teacher-student interaction and feedback lacks in most
schools creating a tension-filled learning environment. In conclusion, teachers should be
empathic listeners as students are taught to be assertive speakers for effective school
communication. It is recommended that teachers be trained on the best ways to interact
with students in managing conflict in schools. Teachers should involve students in decision
making by listening to their suggestions as this will make them feel satisfied leading to
achievement of the set school goals and objectives. Frequent and free communication
between teachers and students should be encouraged through the former listening
empathically to understand the concerns raised by the latter so as to create conducive
teaching and learning environment.
