Effect of alternative methods to corporal punishment on student discipline in public secondary schools in Mombasa County, Kenya
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Date
2023-05
Authors
Ghati, Scort
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta university
Abstract
This study's aim was to investigate the effect of alternatives methods to corporal punishment (ATCP) on student discipline in public secondary schools in Mombasa county of Kenya. Four objectives that were developed for the study were used as a roadmap. The first goal was to establish the alternatives to corporal punishment used to restore student behaviour in Mombasa County public secondary schools. The second objective was to establish the effectiveness of these alternative methods in enhancing discipline among students in secondary schools in Mombasa County. The third objectives was to investigate the challenges encountered in the use of these methods in instilling discipline in learners. The fourth objective was to establish strategies for improving the use of alternative methods of discipline in Mombasa County secondary schools. The study's framework was the positive discipline model derived from systems and cognitive-behavioural theories. For this study, a descriptive survey method was chosen. All of the 31 public secondary schools in Mombasa County participated in the study. The focus of the study population were the students, one from each form class bringing their total to 124, 31 heads of guidance and counselling, 31 deputy principals and 18 out of the expected 31 school principals made the sample of study. A census was used for the few individuals like principal, deputy principal and the heads of guidance and counselling while purposive sampling was used for the selection of students. Data was collected using two instruments: questionnaires for students, heads of guidance and counselling and the deputy principals while the principals were interviewed according to interview schedules. To verify the reliability of the research instrument, the questionnaires were piloted by being given to a small group of people who were not participants but exhibited the same trends. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS and information presented in tables, bar graphs, and pie charts, whereas quantitative data were analysed using content analysis approaches such as narratives, explanations, and conversations. It was found that the ATCP used mostly in public secondary schools in Mombasa county were guidance and counselling and suspension of leaners. The ATCPs have had minimal effect on students’ discipline in Mombasa county public secondary schools. Alternative methods to corporal punishment have been less effective in managing students’ discipline. The challenges experienced range from lack of infrastructure, inadequate human resources, inadequate capacity to handle tasks, hostility and uncooperativeness from parents, low morale and interference from Ministry of Education officers or politicians. The strategies to be used to improve the use of alternative discipline methods were through dialogue and more inclusion of learners in decision making
Description
A research project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of masters of education (educational administration) in the school of education and lifelong learning of
Kenyatta University, May 2023
Keywords
corporal punishment, student discipline, public secondary schools, Mombasa County, Kenya