EFFECTS OF INDISCIPLINE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TAMALE METROPOLIS: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of indiscipline on academic performance of Senior High School Students in the Tamale Metropolis: implications for counselling. The study also found out whether significant differences exist between the views of male and female students on the causes, effects as well as counselling-based-interventions. The study employed explanatory sequential research design with a sample size of 356 comprising 350 students, three school Counsellors and three Senior Housemasters. Questionnaire and interview guides were the tools used to gather data for the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and t tests were used to analyze the data. The study found that peer pressure, poor quality/quantity of food and poor channels of communication were among major causes of indiscipline. Besides, the study identified poor student-teacher relationship, teachers feeling insecure in classrooms and students’ inability to concentrate in class as major effects of indiscipline. Furthermore, the study revealed that equipping students with anger management techniques, cognitive behavioural skills and social skills, were major counselling-based-interventions that could minimize indiscipline in senior high schools. Finally, the study concluded that significant difference did not exist between the views of male and female students on the causes, effects and counselling-based interventions regarding indiscipline. The study recommended that Guidance and Counselling Coordinators in Senior High Schools should organize seminars to educate students about the causes and effects of indiscipline and counselling-based-interventions that could minimize indiscipline.