Publication: An investigation about alternative ways to corporal punishment in secondary school students’ discipline in Igembe Central constituency, Meru county, Kenya.
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2015-10
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of alternative strategies to corporal
punishments among the secondary school students in Igembe central constituency, Meru County,
Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design and used a questionnaire as a tool for the
data collection. The data was collected from 10 principals and 88 students from the 10 public
secondary schools in Igembe central constituency, Meru County, Kenya. The data was analyzed
using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of data analysis were presented
in frequencies, Table s and percentages. The study established that causes of indiscipline among
students were drugs substances, poor relationships between students and teachers, parents siding
with students to counter school rules, peer influence, lack of defined language policy in school,
failure of principal s to involve parents when instilling discipline, insufficient dialogue between
administration and students, unclear rules and regulations, unfairness in motivating both active
and non performing teachers in terms of coming late to school, failure of teacher to discipline
students and inadequate preparation before going to class.
All the students who took part in the study supported the alternative strategies to corporal
punishment. Among the deputy principals only 50 percent supported alternative strategies while
the remaining suggested re- introduction of corporal punishment. They argued that caning was
very fast and effective in controlling discipline. This is because student fear the cane. The main
suggestion and opinions highlighted by the respondents were that schools should strengthen
alternative strategies to corporal punishment. These alternative strategies should include
Guidance and Counseling (G & C) involvement of parents when disciplining students,
strengthening prefects body, improving relationships between teachers and students, involving
student in decision making organs, improving students activities like sports, inviting speakers
and role models to school, rewarding positive behavior and addressing students grievances more
effectively.
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Education, Bachelor of arts