The Pattern, Causes And Management of Student Non-Conforming Behaviour in Nigerian Secondary Schools

Abstract

The study examined the pattern and causes of non-conforming behaviours of students of secondary schools in Nigeria, as perceived by teachers. It also researched into the management of these behaviour by the teachers. Two hundred and forty secondary school teachers drawn from the four divisions of Ogun State, Nigeria took part in the study. The findings revealed that the prevalent non-conforming behaviour of the students are: lateness, disobeying rules, insulting fellow students, leaving school before time, using abusive language, absenteeism, stealing, quarrelling, disrupting classes, cheating in examinations and tests, leaving school without permission, aggressiveness, fighting and bullying. These behaviours are caused by the students intelligent, society, peer group, age of students, the home, curriculum and location of school. Among the techniques used by teachers to manage these behaviours are: warning, private talk, sending to principal, recording of behaviours, consulting parents, giving extra home-work, isolating the students and involving students in school administration.


IFE PsychologIA Vol 9, No 2 September 2001, pp. 100-112