Abstract:
Discipline in a school situation is seen as training of the mind and character so that an
individual person makes logical decision in a responsible manner and to co-exist
peacefully with others in a society. The absence of discipline in a school impacts
negatively on school routine, curriculum delivery and academic achievement of
learners. This study aimed at looking at forms of indiscipline experienced in primary
schools; the challenges teachers encounter while handling indiscipline cases,
established methods considered effective in controlling indiscipline among learners
and explored other methods besides corporal punishment which are useful in
controlling indiscipline among primary school learners. This study was guided by
social learning theory advanced by Albert Bandura (1925). The Theory states that
children learn in a social context and that role models are important contributors in
learning process. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study population
consisted of thirty out of ninety primary schools in the Sub-county. From the thirty
selected schools, thirty head teachers, thirty deputy head teachers, thirty guidance and
counseling teachers and ninety class teachers were involved. The researcher employed
purposive random sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling
technique. The study obtained information from the Area Education Officers on how
disciplinary cases reported are handled. The survey explored opinions, attitudes,
habits and knowledge about the teacher handling of indiscipline cases in primary
schools and challenges experienced. The researcher used questionnaire and
interviews schedule to collect the data. The collected data was analyzed both
qualitatively and quantitatively. The study found out that; a large percentage of
teachers still apply the cane in solving indiscipline cases affecting the learners. This
study reveals that teachers are not well prepared in handling indiscipline cases
through guidance and counseling. It shows that at the primary school level, learners
do not understand the meaning of school and class codes. Head teachers require
support from Ministry of Education to handle learners' discipline. The deputy head
teacher was the most overworked person while handling indiscipline cases. The study
recommends for further study on the challenges head teachers encounter when dealing
with teacher discipline and management of primary schools by school management
committees. Further study be taken in the entire Vihiga County by sampling public
and private schools.