A phenomenological analysis of vandalism by students in secondary schools: perspectives of students and teachers in northern education division of malawi

Abstract

Continuous reports of students’ vandalism in secondary schools in Malawi are of great concern. This study was conducted under the topic; “A phenomenological analysis of vandalism by students in secondary schools: perspectives of teachers and students in northern education division of Malawi.” The aim was to uncover and analyse circumstances that lead to vandalism from the perspectives of both teachers and students in secondary schools in Malawi. Four data generation methods were used namely; photovoice, FGD, oral one to one interviews and reviewing of school records. Built on interpretivist paradigm, the study was guided by two theories; emotional intelligence and an aesthetictheory of vandalism Contrary to some study reports, through the media and the general perception of people on secondaryschool vandalism (that mostly portray students as ill-behaved), this study found out that secondary school vandalism was as a result of the fury that students accumulate at the school as they undergo un expected experiences by either school authorities or teachers in general. An in-depth analysis further revealed that unprofessional conduct on the part of teachers and poor management in general were the main contributing factors to vandalism as revealed in the problem tree analysis. The findings were in concordance with Sidhu (1996:206) who postulated that “pupils do not flare up all of a sudden; there must be a deep rooted cause behind the outburst of fury.” In light of this, students may not be the onlyparties to be blamed but also teachers, school authorities, the surrounding communities, proprietors and other stakeholders. Therefore, solutions must be direct to the all the mentioned stakeholders. It has been noted that secondary school vandalism has considerable negative effects and impacts on teaching and learning and later defeats the purpose of schooling. Using recommendations drawn from this study, and other ideas not captured by this study, secondary school vandalism must be curbed in order to achieve the intended results of teaching and learning and build good citizens for the country