Management of student discipline: does the preventive approach work?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of school principals’ Preventive approach in the management of students’ discipline in public secondary schools. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with simple random sampling used to select respondents. Primary data was collected using two questionnaires; one for Principals and deputy principals, and the second one for teachers while an Interview guide was used for Sub County Directors (SCDs) and a focus group discussion guide for student leaders. Findings show that preventive approaches are effective in maintaining students’ discipline.In addition, there is a statistically significant relationship between preventive approaches and the management of students’ discipline. It is therefore recommended that School management create awareness on all stages of disciplinary approaches put in place for students’ discipline. Schools should also consider having a vote head for rewards and motivational talks to students to reinforce student discipline.