Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to assess the management of discipline by educators in selected secondary schools. There are three major objectives in this study. Firstly, the study sought to examine the major causes of lack of discipline in secondary schools. Secondly, the study sought to determine the extent to which educators are affected by lack of discipline in the classrooms. Thirdly, possible strategies and alternatives to be used by educators were investigated.
Data was collected from educators in different schools situated in the Lejweleputswa district of the Free State province.
The study employed both the qualitative and quantitative research approaches to gain primary data and a literature review for secondary data. Mostly qualitative data was supplemented by quantitative data and a literature review.
The results have revealed that many educators struggle to manage discipline in secondary schools. Part of the problem is the lack of alternative disciplinary measures to corporal punishment as a discipline tool. Educators aim to put measures in place to manage discipline, without resorting to punitive measures (such as corporal punishment). There is a need to implement developmental workshops at schools to assist educators in managing discipline. It is therefore recommended by this study that educators should not only be introduced to alternative measures of keeping discipline, but a continuous mentoring and support programme to assist educators with these alternatives should be implemented at schools.
