Student disciplinary challenges in Obuasi Secondary Technical School

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine student’s disciplinary problems in the Obuasi Secondary Technical School. The main objectives were to explore the sources of disciplinary problems, the impact of disciplinary problems, and the coping strategies adopted by school management in managing disciplinary. The mixed method approach or the pragmatist paradigm was used while explanatory sequential mixed method design was used as a research design. The study population was 341 students and 50 administrators including teachers. The data were collected using the questionnaire and interview guide. The results were organised in simple descriptive tables. The data were organized into percentages and frequencies. The analysis adopted a thematic approach but included the presentation of verbatim quotes. The findings highlight that the most frequently selected response among students was students leaving campus without permission while teachers highlight insubordination to school authority and dress code violation, lateness/absenteeism among day students. There were many factors responsible as sources of disciplinary problems in the school. It was found that student disciplinary issues have several effects on teachers, students and school administration. Packing dining hall bowls, weeding or sweeping their classroom, internal suspension and external suspensions were employed as coping strategies to deal with student disciplinary challenges. Therefore, it was recommended that the GES should collaborate with other groups and institutions to strengthen the development of Guidance and Counselling Units in schools.