Learners’ Discipline Management by Teachers During Post-COVID Lockdown Among Selected Primary Schools in Mbale District Uganda

Abstract

The study sought to examine the learners’ discipline management by teachers during post-COVID lockdown among selected primary schools in Mbale district. The study intended to identify the challenges teachers face when instilling discipline in learners during the post-COVID 19. To analyse different behaviour/ indiscipline among the learners. To identify ways to curb challenges among learners. The study adopted a qualitative research design and results were collected using a semi-structured interview guide as well as focused group discussions from selected schools in Mbale district. It used the Gordon theory of classroom management and A theory of discipline derived from Dewey’s theory of inquiry. Findings revealed that many learners had indiscipline behaviour when teachers gave them homework to copy and do at home. It was realized that some learners do come late to school, others are aggressive and disrespectful to teachers, untidy and leave school without permission while others are fond of talking in class. Teachers assume that one of the most challenging roles and the need for additional training and support to learners is to curb the indiscipline of learners to have a conducive learning environment. It was concluded that the sources of the behavioural changes were the family, the ministry of education being away from school and classroom management. The study recommended that learners should be given support in counselling by the parents, teachers, senior women and men, and head teachers to eliminate learning losses. Furthermore, projects can be formed to improve learners’ collaboration and be developed thus socially supportive activities and, the assigning of school responsibilities by school heads can be organized and socialization of learners can be enhanced and emphasized. In addition, formative training can be given to teachers and parents to curb the indiscipline of learners while at school and home and also rules for the management of behaviour should be clearly defined and reinforced.