Exploring the Causes of Teachers’ Indiscipline in Public Secondary Schools Gairo District in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Teachers during the past time were greatly honored, dignified and highly respected by parents in particular and the society at large. The teacher was as a custodian of knowledge and influential and inspiring person in the society.  Indiscipline among teachers in public secondary schools is a major dilemma in the achievement of quality education since students’ academic achievement depends on ethical, committed and qualified teachers in consolidating school performance and accomplishment of educational goals. The purpose of the study is to explore the causes of teachers’ indiscipline in Public Secondary Schools in in Gairo district in Morogoro region, Tanzania. This study was conducted using a qualitative research approach because it provides the information which has a deeper insight into the phenomenon under study and relies on the interpretation of the view of the respondents. The target population of this study includes District Teacher Service Department, District Chief School Inspector, Heads of school; Teachers as well as Students who were justifiably provide significant information related to teacher indiscipline in public schools in Gairo district. The research findings revealed teachers’ that teachers’ indiscipline was a major problem towards realization of quality education in public schools. The study found that teacher unethical practices has negative impact towards teachers’ work performance as teachers who engage in various misconducts fail to commit themselves to their duties and responsibilities. It was disclosed that effects included inconsistency in teaching, ineffective supervision of students’ discipline, and misleading students when teaching.  it was disclosed that teachers’ unethical practices has detrimental effects to students’ academic achievement such as students’ poor academic performance, students’ drop out and truancy, decline of students’ moral standard, hostility and enmity between teachers and students, and denial of students’ basic rights to quality education. On the basis of the research findings, the causes of teacher indiscipline were mainly attributed to social, economical, managerial and educational related factors including inadequate salaries and remuneration, lack of professional knowledge, poor living and working environment, influence of science and technology, infrequent visit by educational officials, poor school management by school heads, and poor home and family background.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-8-02

Publication date:March 31^st 2022