Impact of Indiscipline on Students’ Academic Performance and School Management Strategies in Nigerian Public Secondary Schools

Abstract

Background: Indiscipline, encompassing behaviours such as truancy, bullying, examination malpractice, and defiance of authority, poses significant challenges to the educational system. 

Objective: This study investigates the impact of indiscipline on students’ academic performance and school management strategies in Nigerian public secondary schools, focusing on Ekiti State.

Methodology: Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data gathered through an instrument titled: Indiscipline and Students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire (ISAPQ), was analysed to discern the impact of indiscipline on students’ academic performance and school management strategies. The results were presented in tables.

Results:The results showed that the prevalent indiscipline behaviour among students are frequent lateness to school, truancy, vandalism, disobedience and bullying. The contributing factors to indiscipline include a lack of parental supervision, inadequate teacher supervision and peer pressure. The impact of indiscipline was found to include disruption in the learning environment, school dropout rate,  and poor academic performance. The management strategies include a reward system for compliant students,  counselling services and punishment for offenders.

Unique Contributions: The study contributes to the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address indiscipline and enhance academic performance in Nigerian secondary schools. 

Conclusion: The study concludes that indiscipline negatively impacts students’ academic performance.

Key Recommendations: The study recommends improving effective leadership, student monitoring, and fair disciplinary policies in secondary schools to curb indiscipline.