Educators' perceptions of discipline in senior primary school
Loading...
Date
2006
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The aim of this study was to pursue an investigation into educators' perceptions of discipline in senior primary schools.
From the literature study it became clear that discipline cannot be considered as an object or event in itself but that it has to be seen in terms of factors in and outside the school, and that its maintenance is essentia! for overall class control, without which effective learning is impossible. One of the prerequisites for all children is that they should learn how to behave at home, in school and in the community. Children have to adhere to the family's and the school's codes of conduct. This study has found, however, that discipline remains the most significant problem in senior primary schools, as many schools experience a break¬down of discipline resulting in disruptive behaviour in the classroom.
A code of conduct for learners contains school and classroom rules which regulate the day to-day relationship between educators and learners. The adoption of a code of conduct and the effective implementation thereof is the responsibility of the school governing body. It should be reviewed annually by the stakeholders and any amendments should be agreed upon by ail the members.
For the purpose of the empirical investigation a self-structured questionnaire, to be completed by educators, was utilised. The completed questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics.
In conclusion a summary was presented on the findings of the literature and empirical study and the following are some of the recommendations that were made:
Good behaviour must be inculcated in learners by means of positive and constructive discipline.
A code of conduct for learners must be enforced to regulate the learners' behaviour.
Description
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF EDUCATION
in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education of the
Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2006.
Keywords
School discipline., Classroom management.