Gender Dimension of Indiscipline in Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Central Division of Machakos District, Machakos County, Kenya

ABSTRACT 

In Kenya despite the fact that various recommendations from task forces have been implemented on indiscipline in secondary schools, more cases of indiscipline have continued to be reported. Since boys and girls are socialized differently, by the time they go· to school, they have different behaviours and probably that might lead to having different forms and causes of indiscipline. The types and causes of indiscipline were discussed wider the following categories; types / causes of indiscipline among boys and girls, types / causes of indiscipline of indiscipline in mixed schools, types / causes of indiscipline by gender and strategies on how to reduce indiscipline in public boarding schools. Six public schools were selected using purposive sampling that is, two girls only schools, two boys only schools and two mixed schools. Form two were chosen to represent the students in the selected schools. Fifteen students were selected using simple random technique as representative of the entire school. All the class teachers of form two, deputies and principals of the selected schools were purposively sampled for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires for students and interview schedules for class teachers, deputies and principals. Findings indicated that there were different types and causes of indiscipline among boys and girls. Some of the types rated highly 'by boys were being rude to prefects, improper dressing and bullying. Vulgar gestures, sneaking food in schools and absenteeism were highly rated by girls. Causes repeatedly by boys were excessive punishment, lack of dialogue and societal influence. Poor parenting, the media and lack of proper guidance and counselling were mentioned repeatedly by girls. The study concludes that the types and causes of indiscipline differ by gender, although there were some common types and causes of indiscipline. The strategies that the boys suggested and the ones that girls suggested should be put in consideration according to gender. The recommendations made were as follows; the Ministry of Education to look at the types and causes of indiscipline in a gender dimension and to train and develop more guidance and counselling teachers. School administrators to create a school friendly teaching and learning environment. This could reasonably address the indiscipline cases that are associated with either sex.