School Administrators' Discipline management strategies and learners' discipline in secondary schools in Tororo Municipality

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between the discipline management methods used by school administrators and the behavior of students in secondary schools in Tororo municipality, Tororo district, Uganda. This study aims to explore the relationship between punishment/negative reinforcement, corrective guidance and counseling, and role modeling by instructors and students' discipline in Secondary schools in Tororo municipality. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research methodology, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods with a sample size of 197 respondents. The data collection methods utilized were questionnaires and interview guides. Questionnaire reliability and validity were established using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient (α = 0.743) and the CVI (83.3%), respectively. The study employed Simple Random Sampling and Purposive sampling methods. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23, with a focus on descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Multiple Regression analysis. The qualitative data was assessed by analyzing the exact responses and identifying important themes. Relevant direct quotes were extracted from the dataset in alignment with the study objectives. Pearson's correlation coefficient analyzed the statistical relationship between school administrators' disciplinary management strategies and students' discipline in secondary schools in Tororo municipality. The study revealed a slight yet statistically significant positive link between punishment/negative reinforcement and students' discipline in Secondary schools (r= 0.060 p > 0.05). A weak statistically significant link was found between corrective advice and counseling and learners' discipline in secondary schools (r= 0.298** p < 0.05). A small but statistically significant association (r= 0.372, p < 0.05) was discovered between teachers' role modeling and learners' discipline in Secondary schools in Tororo municipality. The researcher discovered that disciplinary actions including caning, suspensions, and hard labor significantly affect pupils' discipline in secondary schools.