Effects of hidden curriculum on moral behaviour and discipline management in schools. The case of Christian Liebig Secondary School

Abstract

Several studies have been carried out as regards causes of indiscipline in Malawi, however, few have strived to establish a link between hidden curriculum, indiscipline and immoral behaviour. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hidden curriculum on moral behaviours and discipline management in schools. Through purposeful sampling technique, the study collected data from the deputy head teacher, three teachers and eleven students of Christian Liebig Secondary School, a Government Secondary School from South West Education Division. The study was carried out between the months of September to November 2014. It was qualitative in nature using a case study design. Methods used in collection of data include, focus group discussion, semi structured interviews as well as records and documents. Findings revealed that, insubordination to teachers, defying authority, drawing obscene pictures, drunkenness, teasing and vandalism of school property to be common indiscipline behaviour among students. The study also found out hidden curriculum elements such as socio economic background of students, teachers, school rules and policy to have influence on indiscipline and immoral behaviour in schools. The study recommends that, teachers need to dig the background of students when dealing with indiscipline and immoral behaviour.