A SURVEY OF THE CAUSES OF INDISCIPLINE AMONG STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
For obvious reasons, we might be tempted to undermine the theme of this paper. Reasons are not far fetched; the topic most academic will say is trite and is of commonplace discourse in the nook and cranes of the country and the world at large. However, we make bold to state here that these are mere assumptions. The topic demands our serious consideration and resolution because of its visible impediment to national growth and development. Beside, it is a topic of all times. That is its currencies are without doubt apparent.
This being so, a clear understanding of the topic begin with an espies on the meaning of the key term indiscipline. Indiscipline, a derivative of the world, discipline, according to the chambers Twentieth century dictionary is a mode of life in accordance with rules, subjection to control.
The oxford advanced learners dictionary defines it as lack of control in the behaviour of a group of people. Tuluhi and Bello (1980) assert that indiscipline is the breaking of rules and regulation of institutions. According to Uwagie-Ero et al (2002) indiscipline is a state of disorder used by lack of training and control. To this end, indiscipline can simply be seen as mode of life NOT in conformity with rules and regulations capable of obstructing the smooth and orderly, functioning of the school system.
Adeyemo (1985) school rules and regulations in most cases do affect students more than any other thing because are made by the school authorities. In order to guide and protect the students while in school. The problem of indiscipline is more apparent among secondary school students; indiscipline among them has attracted serious attention of scholars and administrators. These scholars and administrators attribute indiscipline among public secondary school students to their state of development. They opine that when students notice certain biological changes signaling maturity in the course of their growth and development, they tend to misbehave by faulting schools rules and regulations (Mukharjee, 1985).
The causes of indiscipline are based on the acts of indiscipline among students in public secondary school range from deviation from simple norms and instructions of heinous crimes infact, the list is inexhaustible. Ozula, (1986) listed some act of indiscipline which include disobedience, absenteeism, violence, dishonesty, arson, idleness disorderliness, laziness, vandalization, quarrelling, fighting, rioting, wickedness, smuggling, jealousy, gossip, drunkenness, greed, selfishness, discriminations, corruptions, bribery, drug abuse, sex abuse, and raping other are lawlessness, kidnapping, murder, oppression, misappropriation of fund and management. Disobedience is the mother of indiscipline. According to the Holy Bible, from the book Genesis 1:26,3:6, 22-23 says that God created the world and made man above everything therein still man sinned-disobeyed God by eating the forbidding fruit the consequence of this indiscipline was great, god cursed man and drove him out of the garden.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
This study is geared towards the investigation of the survey of the causes of indiscipline among students in public secondary school and how to curb it. The following shall stand as the basis research question.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of this study is to:
i. Find out societal influence on indiscipline
ii. Find out whether home background cause students indiscipline
iii. Investigate how poor school administration causes indiscipline.
iv. Find out if the influence of peer group has in any way contributed to the level of students indiscipline in school.
v. Find out the effect of the mass media on indiscipline
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION
The following shall stand as the basis of the research questions/hypothesis
1. What are the problems and solutions causes of indiscipline among public secondary school?
2. How does societal morals contribute to indiscipline.
3. Does home background contribute to indiscipline?
4. How does poor school administration affects student’s in-disciplinary behaviour?
5. Does peer group influence cause indiscipline?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this is to identify the causes and solutions of indiscipline among schools. These findings will go along way in exposing teachers and other school workers to the major causes of indiscipline in schools. And these will help the teachers in curbing indisciplinary behaviour in schools. Again, as a result of this research work, principals see their shortcomings and evolve a more effective approach to teaching and school management.
Lastly, the findings of the study would help both parents, teachers and school administrators, government and society in general in knowing the various party they should play which could lead to indiscipline.
1.6 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
Indiscipline: It means deviating from the accepted norms rules and regulation of the school society. It also means lack of self control and disorderly behaviour.
Discipline: with its relationship to this study, it is the adherence to rules and regulations governing the schools.
Drug abuse: The act of habitually given or taking of drugs (especially harsh drugs)
Sex abuse: Unapproved and indiscriminate sexual acts.
Vandalization: Willful destructions of school or other students property.
Riots: This takes the form of open confrontation and consequent revolt against school authorities for trivial reasons that are often over amplified by some militant students.
Trite: It is often used and so dull.
Heinous: Very wicked.
Oppression: ways to repression students.