The effect of discipline on the academic performance of pupils in the selected primary schools of Kithiani Division, Machakos District Kenya

Abstract

The major purpose of the study was to investigate the effects discipline and academic performance of the pupils in the selected schools of Kithiani Division, Machakos District, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the relationship between indiscipline and performance of pupils, investigate the causes of indiscipline in schools to establish solutions to the problem of indiscipline in Kithiani Division. The instruments used for data collection were questionnaires to the teacher and focused group discussion with the pupils. The findings indicated that that pupils perform well in class. The respondents named poverty, lack of parental guidance, emotional stress and joining gang groups. Lastly the solutions to the problem of school discipline were investigated and results reveal that suspensions and punishments are the most effective. School authorities and teachers should identify the reasons for children's misbehavior and therefore deal with the problem. Relative of the pupils and teachers should work hand in hand to discipline pupils. Guardians should realize that they play a bigger part in disciplining their children. Effective and less violent means of disciplining children should be devised.