To investigate alternative strategies of handling pupils’ indiscipline in primary schools in Eldoret East district

Abstract

Though corporal punishment was banned, teachers have continued to use it illegally. The reason being that, the government did not give alternatives to corporal punishment. It was noted that no proper data or records are kept on the use of corporal punishment or other alternatives which have been adopted in schools, if they do exists the records are not consistent. This study investigated alternative strategies of handling pupil indiscipline in primary schools in Eldoret East District, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to: identify the most prevalent indiscipline problems in primary schools, identify alternative strategies used to instill discipline in schools and determine the effectiveness of these alternative strategies. A Descriptive survey design (with both qualitative and quantitative strategies) was employed. In addition, stratified sampling technique was used to select zones whereas random sampling was used to select schools. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants to the study (class teachers and Head teachers). class seven pupils were randomly selected. Questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection. However, interview schedule and document analysis were used to collect qualitative data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics which included percentages, frequencies and mean. The study found that guidance and counseling, use of reinforcement, role models, school rules and regulations, school values and cultures, school mission and vision statements were various alternative strategies in schools. Secondly, indiscipline problems were prevalent in primary schools and that making a pupil to apologize; calling parent to be told the mistake, collecting litter and making pupils to write an apology letter were effective disciplinary methods that should be applied to the pupils. The study recommended that schools can handle indiscipline cases better if the government can train teachers on ways of dealing with indiscipline cases and that Pupils should also be allowed to participate in decision making on matters which affect them directly.