SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS AS CORRELATE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE

Abstract

The study examined school discipline policies and teacher-student relationship as a correlate of student behavior some selected public secondary schools in Lagos State. The purpose of the study was to identify the relationship between school discipline policies, teacher-student relationships and student behavior in Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The study was based on Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Teaching, Learning, and Development because of its relatedness. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. Out of the population of 3,002 SSII students schooling in the area, 300 students were randomly selected as the sample of the study. A researcher-developed instrument duly validated by experts was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for the research questions, and t-test of significance of correlation was used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed among others that school discipline policies and teacher-student relationships have a strong positive relationship with SSII student behavior. This implies that school discipline policies and teacher-student relationships seriously influence SSII students’ behavior in public schools in Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State. Based on the findings, the study concluded that it is crucial for schools to focus on developing positive teacher-student relationships and implementing effective, non-punitive discipline policies to promote a positive school climate and reduce negative student behavior. The study therefore recommended among others things that there should be development and implementation of fair and consistent discipline policies that focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment in public secondary schools in Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State. This can involve providing students with incentives for positive behavior, such as recognition or awards.