An assessment of headteachers’ perspectives on management of indiscipline teachers in community day secondary schools in Malawi

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the perspectives of head teachers on management of indiscipline teachers in Community Day Secondary Schools in Malawi. Mixed research design was used. A sample of 36 head teachers, 36 deputy head teachers and 36 School Management Committee Chairpersons from CDSSs in Central Western Education Division (CWED) were selected through purposive, cluster and Random Sampling techniques. The study also involved the Desk Officer for Secondary Schools (DOSS), Human Resources Officer (HRO) and Chairperson for Malawi Secondary Schools Association (MASSHA) as key informants. The quantitative data was analyzed using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS). The qualitative data was analyzed through thematic approach. The study had found out that most head teachers have negative attitudes on indiscipline teachers. It had also found out that indiscipline in teachers is a result of many factors such as health related problems, adolescence, family background, drug and substance abuse, poor working conditions and the way officers handle teachers. Depending on its degree, indiscipline in teachers can lower education standards in schools. Head teachers manage indiscipline teachers through guidance and counseling, repeated reminder of the code of conduct for the teaching profession and proper communication. The study recommends that recommends that the Ministry of Education Science and Technology should introduce induction and in-service training courses for newly appointed head teachers and deputy head teachers so that they are equipped with effective skills in managing teachers because working with indiscipline teachers in schools is inevitable.