Abstract:
This senior essay argues that student discipline problem, deep-rooted in a complex web of factors,
is among the salient factors that affects the learning teaching environment and the personality and
performance of the student him/herself. This in turns determines the academic achievement at
secondary school level and even beyond. It also claims that mismanaged misbehavior has
antisocial behavior as a detrimental outcome. In view of this, the study was conducted to explore
and describe the nature, prevalence, trends, severity, causes and effects of student misbehavior
along with the response mechanisms in Burka secondary school. Primary and secondary data
were collected and analyzed. Quantitative data obtained from the survey of sample students (120)
and teachers (15) as well as qualitative information obtained from a total of 2 key informants and
7 FGDs constituted the primary sources of data. Complementary and/or supplementary data was
also obtained from the review of literature and pertinent documents. The results revealed that
student discipline problem that disrupts the classroom environment are highly prevalent. The
problem of students discipline is not only prevalent but also very stressful. Besides, misbehavior
has been worsening across time. Meanwhile, assessment of the causative factors uncovered
Parent, Student, Teachers/School related factors in their order of importance. Furthermore, it is
almost unanimously agreed that student’s discipline problem is a hindrance to the learningteaching process in the school as it principally disrupts the learning-teaching environment. Effects
on the student’s personality were also emphasized, though damaging property was the least
important effect. Eventually, the findings on the school’s response mechanism uncovered problems
and gaps that are much more pronounced. Among others, failure to device and enforce
disciplinary rules and regulations was the central tenet. In the end, the study draws conclusions,
on the prevalence, magnitude, trends, and cause of student misbehavior as well as on the problems
associated with the school’s response mechanism. Finally, recommendations are put in order for
improved response mechanism to combat the problem of student misbehavior.
