The Role of Discipline in Academic Performance of Children Primary Schools: Case Study of Lambwe Division, Suba District, Kenya

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the relationship between discipline and the academic performance of pupils in Primary schools by taking the case of Lambwe Division in Suba District. The study particularly sought to establish the relationship that exists between discipline and the poor academic performance of pupils in Primary Schools. The study was conducted by correlation research design, data collected during the month of May 2008 using questionnaire responses from 200 respondents consisting of 160 pupils, 20 assistant teachers, 5 head teachers and 15 class parents’ representatives randomly selected from the accessible population. The data was analyzed using correlation and percentage distribution technique using bar graphs. The study establishes that there is significant relationship between the degree of discipline and the level of academic performance and that the pupils have been performing poorly in the National Examinations due to the rampant indiscipline prevalent in the schools. The study concludes that discipline must be improved in our schools and therefore recommends that some strategies be used like involving pupils in planning and decision making of matters, allowing free discussion between pupils, teachers and parents and identifying and rewarding distinguished well behaved pupils in the school among others.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION .ii

APPROVAL iii

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF FIGURES x

ABSTRACT

DEFINITION OF TERMS xii

CHAPTER O~E I

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Introduction and Overview 1

1.1 Background to the Study 1

1.2 Statement ofthe Research Problem 2

1.3 Study Objectives 3

1.4 Research Questions 3

1,5 Scope ofthe Study 3

1.6 Significance ofthe Study 4

CHAPTER TWO 6

LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.0 Introduction 6

2.2 Discipline and the Teacher 7

2.10.0 Providing a warning 13

2.10.1 Respond Immediately 13

2.10.2 State the Problem Specifically 13

2.10.3 Allow the Child to Explain His or Her Position 14

vi

2.10.4 Choose a Kind of Discipline That is Appropriate To the Crime 14

2.10.5 Discipline Should Include Guidance and Direction for Correcting the Problem 14

2.10.6 Theory ofEducation 14

2.10.7 Status Frustration Theory OfDiscipline 16

CHAPTER THREE 17

METHODOLOGY 17

3.0 Introduction 17

3.1 Research Design 17

3.2 Population and Sampling 17

3.3 Research Instrument 18

3.4 Validity and Reliability ofthe Instrument 18

3.5 Data Collection Procedure 19

3.6 Data Analysis 19

CHAPTER FOUR 21

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DAT 21

4. 0 Introduction 21

4.1 The Level of Academic Performance ofPupils Is Low 21

4.3 Strategies Used To Curb the Situation ofIndiscipline 25

CHAPTER FIVE 28

SUMMARY OF FTh~D1NGS, CONCLUTION AND RECOMMENDATION 28

5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 28

5.2 CONCLUSION 29

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS 30

BIBLIOGRAPHY 31

UN PUBLIS~D BOOKS 32