Influence of Students’ Involvement in Indiscipline on Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Meru-South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County Kenya

Njeru Alfred Kathia, Dr. Josephine Kirimi

Abstract


Discipline is a fundamental determinant of students’ academic performance, as it influences their concentration, class attendance, and compliance with school rules. This study sought to examine the influence of students’ involvement in indiscipline on academic performance in public secondary schools in Meru-South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. This study was grounded in Self-Determination Theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted of 7,500 students, 90 teachers, and 13 head teachers across 13 public secondary schools. Fisher’s formula was used to determine the sample size of 353 respondents. Stratified sampling was employed and data were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a significant relationship between student indiscipline and academic performance. Schools with higher levels of discipline recorded better academic outcomes. The study concluded that effective discipline management enhances academic performance. It recommends that school administrators strengthen guidance and counseling programs and engage parents more actively in enforcing student discipline. The findings will assist education stakeholders in formulating targeted interventions to foster a more conducive learning environment for improved academic achievement.

Keywords: Students’ Involvement, Indiscipline, Academic Performance, Public Secondary Schools, Tharaka Nithi County


Full Text:

PDF

References


Bootzin, R.R., Bower, G.H., Zajonc, R.B., & Hall, E. (1986). Psychology today” an introduction (6th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill publishers

Cicognani, L. (2004) To Punish Or Discipline? Teacher’s Attitudes towards the Abolition of Corporal Punishment. Johannesburg

Coon,D. (2001). Introduction to Psychology: Gate Ways to Mind and Behavior (9th Ed).London: Wadsworth.

Creswell,J.W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publishers.

Curthrow, J. (2002). Correlation Between High Rates of Corporal Punishment in Public Schools and Pathologies. Paris: UNESCO

Feldman, R. (2005). Essentials of Understanding Psychology (6th Ed. New York: Mcgraw Hill Companies, Inc

Gazzaniga, M.S. (2003). Psychological Science: Mind Brain and Behavior. New York: W.W Norton and Company.

Gershoff, E.T. (2002). Corporal Punishment by Parents and Associated Child Behavior. Psychological Bulletin, 128 (4), 539-579

Global Iniative to End All Corporal Punishment to Children. (2009). Ensuring The Dignity Of The Child Prohibiting All Corporal Punishment. 20th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Convention on the Right to the Child. Geneva

Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

Kail. R.V. (2006). Human Development. New York: Person Education Company.

Kathuri, N. & Pals, D. (1993). Introduction to Education Research. Njoro: Egerton University.

Kerlinger, F.N. (2004). Research Methods: Methods and Techniques. Delhi: New Age International Publishers.

Kim, S.Y. (1999). Corporal Punishment in School. A review of the pros and cons retrieved in April 19th, 2010 from

Kosslyn,S.M., & Rosenberg, R.S.(2002). Fundamentals of Psychology: The Brain, The Person, The World: New York: Person Education, Inc

Lefton, L.A (2002) Psychology (7th ed). Boston: a Pearson education company.

Lockesh, K (1984). Methodology of Educational Research. New Delhi: Van Educational Books.

Martin, G.N.ET AL. (2000). Psychology (3rd Ed). Needhma Heights: Person Education Limited.

Mason, M.A., & Gambrill, E. (1994). Should The Use of Corporal Punishment By Parents Be Considered Child Abuse? Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

Matza, D. (1964). Delinquency and drift. New York, NY: John Wiley.

McNeil, E & Rubin, Z. (1997). The Psychology of Being Human. New York: Canfield Press.

Mugenda, O.M & Mugenda, A. G (1999). Research Methods. Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Nairobi: Africa Centre for technology.

Mugenda, O.M & Mugenda, A.G (2003). Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Nairobi: Acts Press.

Murphy, L. W., & Virgins, D. J (2010). “Corporal Punishment on Schools and Its Effects on Academic Success. Retrieved in aril 22nd 2010 from http:www..aclu.org/human-rights-justice/violent-educaiton-corpora punishment children –us-public schools

Myers, D. G .(1999). Exploring Psychology (4th Ed). New York: Worth Publishers Inc

Nachimias, C.F.& Nachimias, D.(1996). Research Methods in the Social Sciences. London: St.Martin’s Press Inc.

Nairne, J.S. (1999). Psychology: The Adaptive Mind (2nd Ed). Belmont: Wads worth thomson Learning.

Nichols, S.L & Newamn, J.P. (1986). Effects of Punishment of Response Latency in Person. New York: Pearson Education In.

Robbins, S. P. (1998). Organizational behavior: concepts controversies and sapplications. 8th Ed. New Jersey. Professional Publishers (Pty) Ltd.

TEN/MET. (2008). Position Paper: The State Of Child Protection in Tanzania “Key Articles In The Convention on The Rights of The Child About The Treatment Of Children In The Society.

URT (2006). Ministry of Community Development and Gender and Children. Initial Tanzania Report to the African Committee of Experts on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.