An assessment of head teachers’ management practices of violent behaviour among learners in Luanshya district, Zambia.
Date
2022-06-20
Authors
Daka, Deophister
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Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study aimed at assessing of Head teachers’ management practices of violent behavior among learners in Luanshya District, Zambia. The study objectives were; to examine heat teachers’ management practices of violent behaviour in secondary schools in Luanshya district, ascertain the nature and sources of violent behaviour in Luanshya district, find out the challenges in the management of violent behaviour among learners in Luanshya district, and suggest strategies that can be employed to improve the management of the violent behaviour in secondary schools in Luanshya district. This study used a descriptive design. Semi-structured interview guide and document analysis was incorporated. The total sample size was 10 comprising of 5 secondary school administrators and 5 Disciplinary committee chairpersons. Purposive sampling was used and Data analysis was done using themes. The findings of the study revealed that Head teachers used management practices in order to effectively manage violent behaviour in secondary schools which included; formulation of school disciplinary committees, implementation of school safety action plan, communication with stakeholders and Capacity building. The prominent nature and causes of violent behaviour included fighting, insulting, vandalism, drug abuse and rioting among others. Various constraints were experienced in the management of violent behavior among the notable ones were parental interference, increase in child headed homes, irresponsible human rights use, external influence and high levels of moral decay among learners. Improved stakeholder participation, addressing moral decay, monitoring of electronic gadget brought into school and promotion of health teacher-pupil relationships were notable suggested management practices. The results from the study concluded that Head teachers employed various scientific management practices to ensure that violent behaviour among the learners was reduced. However, there is need for improved and implementation of innovative measures to prevent violent behaviour must be sort by Head teachers’ in order to provide safe and conducive learning and teaching environment at all times. In addition, secondary school should be innovative by responding to emerging behavioral concerns among learners. The study recommended that school management should continue to partner with other stakeholder at school, community and district level in order to effectively manage violent behaviour among the learners. Guidance and counselling services should continue to be provided in schools so as to address violent behaviour effectively.
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Keywords
College students--Psychology. , Behavior modification. , Delinquent students. , Classroom management. , Violent behavior management.