Investigation Into Academic Indiscipline And Failure Among Secondary School Students In (English Language Mathematics, Igbo language, Agricultural Science, Economics

(A Case Study Of Nigeria)

5 Chapters
|
48 Pages
|
7,133 Words

A comprehensive exploration into the prevalence and underlying factors contributing to academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students in English Language, Mathematics, Igbo Language, Agricultural Science, and Economics reveals a complex array of challenges. Root causes encompass diverse aspects including inadequate study habits, lack of effective teaching methodologies, socio-economic disparities, language barriers, and curriculum misalignment. Inadequate study habits, stemming from a lack of motivation or guidance, often result in poor academic performance across subjects. Moreover, ineffective teaching methodologies fail to engage students and address individual learning needs, exacerbating the issue. Socio-economic factors such as financial constraints or familial responsibilities may hinder students’ ability to focus on their studies fully. Language barriers particularly affect students in subjects like Igbo Language, where proficiency may be lacking due to diverse linguistic backgrounds. Additionally, curriculum misalignment with real-world applications can diminish students’ interest and comprehension in subjects like Agricultural Science and Economics. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, including tailored educational interventions, teacher training programs, equitable resource allocation, and curriculum reforms that foster practical relevance and student engagement across disciplines.

ABSTRACT

This studies an investigation into academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students (English language mathematics, Igbo, Agric, Economics. period 2005-2011 (a case study of Nigeria) the population of the study consists of five subjects in senior secondary school in Nigeria. A total of nine thousand seven hundred and fifteen (9,7,15) students and about 200 members of the staff were involved. Ten students from each class (JSS1-SSIII) were selected by proportionate stratified random sampling techniques to ensure that relevant features of the population were adequately represented for the second set of sample (staff) the same techniques was used to selected five staff from each school. The instrument used for the data collection was a structured questionnaire section ‘A’ contained personal data of the correspondent eg Name, sex, qualification etc while section ‘B’ contained the structured questionnaire items. The items were structured to reflect four point rating scale of strongly agree (SA), Agree (A) strongly Disagree (SD), and disagree and others like response category. The researchers personally administered the questionnaire. The response code and values are shown below, used in calculating the mean using the formula.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i
Approvalii
Certificationiii
Dedicationiv
Acknowledgementv
Abstractvi
Table of contentsvii

CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
Background of study1
Statement of the Problems4
Purpose of the Study5
Significant of the Study5
Research Questions6
Scope of the study 7
Definition of terms 7

CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW
Aspects of students indiscipline 9
Causes of students indiscipline 14
Consequences of students indiscipline 16
Strategies of maintaining discipline 19
Summary of literature review20

CHAPTER THREE:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design 22
Area of the study22
Population of the study23
Sample and sampling techniques 23
Development of the instrument 24
Method of Data Collection24
Method of Data Analysis24
Validation of instrument25

CHAPTER FOUR:
Data Presentation and data analysis26

CHAPTER FIVE:
DISCUSSIONS OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND SUMMARY
Discussions 33
Conclusion 34
Implications 35
Recommendations35
Suggestion36
Limitation of the study36
Summary 36
References 32
Appendix 39

CHAPTER ONE

Background of the Study
According to Oxford Advanced learners Dictionary (7th editions) failure is lack of success in doing or achieving something. It is pertinent (relevant) to know that everybody in every works of life is afraid of failure. According to America Heritage (R) Dictionary, failure is lack of discipline or restraint (control) while failure to fulfill promise is called indiscipline.
Indiscipline is a rudimentary ingredient that plays a crucial role in school system, which Insist on upholding the moral values of students. It comprises a wide spectrum of meaning, well from the negative or positive perspective i.e a particular attitude towards something i.e view point. However, it is human immune to always focus on the negative smell and that would be considered a popular issue if it involves an individual or a group that claims an intimate relationship (close relationship) within a society.
Schon, D. (1993) aptly states that every child has a need to attend school. Schools are seen as provider of education as education is an important process that each individual has to undergo in life today. Thus, education is seen as the key to unlock the treasure prove of knowledge i.e valuable things that are found hidden or whose owner is unknown student’s misbehaviour is a prevailing problem affecting schools not only in Nigeria but also across the many countries around the Africa.
Students misconduct in the classroom interferes with teaching and learning and is thought to be precursor to later school dropout and similar negative social out-comes. Student’s behaviour problems are also thought to be a leading contributor to teacher’s stress and attrition (Making somebody weaker). Teacher’s subjected to abuse report experiencing fears for their intense feeling of anger, humiliation or shame, Isolation and depression.
Some teenagers may never reveal the nature of the incident or it’s impact on them in such cases, the confidence of the teachers has been undermined, his/her sense of personal safety related and the perpetration has not been conditioned.
Salvin, R.E (2003). One of the most wide-spread reasons for bad discipline however is usually students inability to cope with the task. The noisiest students will demonstrate their frustration by loud outburst (a sudden strong expression of an emotion), disruptive behaviour (causing problems, noise), will the rest of the class may remain passive (Stermbery, R.J & Williams, W.W.(2002). Basically, discipline problems occurs when a students refuses to obey rules of the classroom or school.
A close investigation on why our students fail in their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) especially on English language, Mathematics, Igbo language, Economics and Biology will reveal the fact that most of the students, susceptible i.e influenced or harmed to failure are those who indulge in academic indiscipline such as truancy, lateness to school, fighting, vandalism (crime of destroying or damaging something) and others. Sometimes, some school principals and class teachers will dabble (to take part in an activating) into malpractice just to help the students. However, they do it so that the society will see them as committed and hardworking teachers in their schools. The knowledge that the teachers will offer them helping during examination leads to students to relax, instead of being serious with their studies.
The researchers are not happy because academic indiscipline is rapidly putting down the wall of education in our country. It ponders in the mind of the researchers the type of doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants that will be produced in our nation in the next five-ten years. Onah, J. (2008). According to Dewey in philosophy of education he emphasized on learning, by doing’.
The child has to do something”. He has to get involved in order for learning to be meaningful.
Moreover, rules that deal with human actions will eventually be broken and require some sort of punishment. Rules must also relate to the stated function of education or the school process and again, common sense must prevail in establishing disciplinary action for breaking a rule.Furthermore all students must be aware and prudent of the rules before disciplinary action can be administered. Franken, R.E (1998) parent and schools share the responsibility of promoting values and standards which we hope will help younger people to establish sound behavioural codes for their lives.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Education is the bedrock of development of any country. This is the reason why the integral part of our budget goes to education. The government is fighting very hard to shake off the under-development. How much was voted for education budgets.
Academic excellence is everybody’s wish for himself and his relations. During the colonial days some people know the efficacy in education.
It is with dismay (a worried, sad feeling) to observe the damaged academic indiscipline has done to our schools even our secondary schools which the preparatory stage of higher education.
Teachers are not coping well with the implementation of the curriculum, hence the low achievement of the product of secondary schools illiteracy, innumeracy (unable to court or do simple mathematics) and basic skills.
The value system in the country has made everybody to be corrupt. Lack of adequate infrastructural facilities such as teaching aids, buildings, transport, water and power supplies etc have led to academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students.

1.3 Purpose of the Study
It is ideal to investigate into academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students based on these objectives:-
a. To critically define indiscipline and failure in secondary schools.
b. To investigate into the causes of academic indiscipline and failure into our schools.
c. To recommend possible ways of cubing academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students.

1.4 Significant Of The Study
This study would be of immense help to the secondary school students as it would investigate clearly why our students are involved in academic indiscipline and why they fail woefully in their examination. It will also want to find out positive and lasting solution towards their being made better examination candidates especially in compulsory subjects like English language, Igbo language, Agric Science,, Economics and Mathematics.
The entire society also stand the chance to benefit immensely because the students in secondary schools will be equipped to take their Senior Secondary school Certificate Examination (SSCE) confidently which will in long them lead to sufficiency.

1.5 Research Questions
1. Does frustration cause academic indiscipline?
2. Can failure cause the student to dropout from school.
3. Is the teacher a role model to the students?
4.Do some secondary school administration encourage examination malpractice?
5. Does broken home make a student to be aggressive
6. Have the child’s background have any contribution to his behaviour at school.
7. Can lack of confidence lead to failure.
8. Teaching the students with precepts (principles) and examples can it help to combat indiscipline?
9. How did the students perform in these subjects from 2005-2010?
10. Which one did they perform better or worse?
11. What are the possible reasons for their performances?

1.6 Scope of the Study
The study is deliminated to five subject in senior secondary schools in Nigeria.
These subjects are:
1. English language
2. Mathematics
3. Igbo language
4. Agriculture science
5. Economics

1.7 Definition of Terms
Academic indiscipline involves all those undesirable attitudes exhibited by students in the schools. Examples; bullying, fighting, stealing, poor attitudes to schools activities, vandalism etc.
1. Truancy: According to NTI, NCE (2001) Education cycle 4, truancy is an act of staying away from school without good reason or permission and students who involve in this act is called truant. A times, they leave the school to stay in a hide out playing, gambling (the activity of playing games of chance for money and watching movies.
2. Bullying: A bully is someone who use his strength or power to hurt or frighten people. He enjoys oppressing others weaker then himself.
3. Vandalism: According to oxford Advanced learners Dictionary) it is the crime of destroying or damaging something, especially public property, deliberately and for no good reason.
4. Malpractice: The dishonest use of a position of trust for personal gain. It is an act of ommission or commission which comprises the validity, reliability and integrity of any examination.
5. Failure: It is lack of success in doing achieving something.
6. Indiscipline: Failure to fulfill promise.
7. Rudimentary: Means basic clearing with only the most basic matters and ideas.

SIMILAR PROJECT TOPICS:
Save/Share This On Social Media:
MORE DESCRIPTION:

Academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students are complex issues that can have significant negative impacts on a student’s educational journey and future prospects. These problems can stem from various factors, both internal and external, that interact to create an environment conducive to poor academic performance and disciplinary issues. Let’s break down some of the key factors contributing to academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students:

  1. Lack of Motivation: Students who lack motivation to excel academically are more likely to engage in indiscipline and perform poorly. Motivation can be affected by a range of factors including a perceived lack of relevance in the curriculum, personal interests, and external rewards.
  2. Peer Pressure: Adolescents are highly susceptible to peer pressure, and if a student’s peers are not academically inclined, they might be influenced to prioritize social activities over studies, leading to indiscipline and academic failure.
  3. Family Background: Students from disadvantaged or unstable family backgrounds might face challenges that impact their focus on studies. Lack of support, financial difficulties, and family disruptions can contribute to indiscipline and failure.
  4. Ineffective Teaching Methods: If teachers use teaching methods that don’t cater to the diverse learning styles of students, it can lead to disengagement and subsequently, academic failure. A lack of interest in class can also lead to indiscipline.
  5. Curriculum Relevance: If students don’t find the curriculum relevant or interesting, they may lose interest in studying, leading to indiscipline and ultimately, poor academic performance.
  6. Lack of Study Skills: Secondary school is a critical period for developing effective study skills. Students who lack these skills might struggle to manage their time, organize their studies, and retain information.
  7. Personal Issues: Students dealing with personal issues such as mental health problems, family conflicts, or other emotional struggles may find it challenging to focus on their studies, leading to both indiscipline and academic failure.
  8. High Expectations and Pressure: Excessive academic pressure from parents or society can lead to stress and burnout. This pressure might lead to cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct.
  9. Technology and Distractions: The easy access to technology and social media can be a major distraction, diverting students’ attention away from their studies and contributing to indiscipline.
  10. Lack of Discipline Policies: If the school lacks clear and effective discipline policies, students might perceive a lack of consequences for their actions, leading to indiscipline.

Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach:

  • Parental Involvement: Parents should provide emotional support, monitor their children’s progress, and encourage a positive attitude towards education.
  • Teacher Training: Teachers should receive training on effective teaching methods that cater to different learning styles, creating engaging and interactive classroom environments.
  • Mentoring and Counseling: Schools should provide counseling services to help students cope with personal issues and academic challenges.
  • Curriculum Enhancement: Efforts should be made to make the curriculum more relevant, interesting, and applicable to real-life situations.
  • Discipline Policies: Schools should have clear and fair discipline policies in place to address indiscipline, and these policies should be consistently enforced.
  • Promoting Intrinsic Motivation: Efforts should be made to foster intrinsic motivation by helping students find personal value and meaning in their education.
  • Holistic Development: Education should not only focus on academic success but also on the overall development of students’ social, emotional, and life skills.

By addressing these factors and implementing strategies that promote engagement, motivation, and a supportive environment, schools can work towards reducing academic indiscipline and failure among secondary school students.