influence of integrating prefect councils in school management on discipline in public secondary schools, Kathiani District, Machakos County

Abstract

Student involvement in decision making in secondary schools refers to participation of students in matters concerning organization, administration, functions and control of discipline through delegation of powers and responsibility to the student body and student themselves who furnish valuable feedback. This study sought to investigate the influence of integrating prefect councils in school management on discipline in public secondary schools, Kathiani District, Machakos County. The study employed a descriptive survey study. The population of the study consisted of the 18 secondary schools in Kathiani District and 90 students. The purposive sampling technique and the simple random sampling was used to select 5 schools in which 5 students were randomly selected to participate in the study. The main research instrument that was used in this study was questionnaires. Tables, graphs and pie charts were used to present the research findings. From the findings the majority indicated that they participate in school forums, that the schools involve the students in decision making processes regarding extracurricular activities and that they do not participate in formulation of school rules. From the findings the study concluded that students raise issues in forums such as leadership, time table amendment, extracurricular activities and academic work. The study recommended that the school administration should consider students’ opinions raised in different forums in decision making formulation and implementation in different aspects concerning the school management. For the students to select prefects democratically, the process should be free and fair to avoid any disruption of academic work due to students feeling shortchanged. The majority of strikes in public secondary schools are due to poor leadership by the prefect’s body. The management needs to set aside enough time and resources to effectively and efficiently induct the prefects in order for them to be able to carry out their roles well. This is to be done by the school management. Resource persons who are well informed should be invited and the school should give enough support to the process. It is very important for prefects to be given all the necessary guidance and practical lessons intended to prepare them for the tough role. It is necessary for prefects to be motivated in order for them to devote themselves to their duties and to be able to balance activities with their studies. School administration should consult with prefects before making major decisions that affect the students. The principal and teachers should always try to hold meetings with prefects and update them on all issues affecting the students. The study findings may be utilized by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI), Head teachers, Board of Management (BOM), Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and other stakeholders for effective implementation of school administration initiatives and strategies