Abstract:
This research sought to assess the effectiveness of conflict resolution measures in
secondary schools using a study of selected senior high schools in the Atwima
Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The target population for the research
comprised all employees (both teaching and non-teaching staff) and students of four
selected schools. These four schools were Barekese Senior High School, Osei Tutu
Senior High School, Toase Senior High School and Nkawie Secondary Technical School.
The study used descriptive research design with a quantitative method, executed through
questionnaires, which were handed out to 80 student respondents and 40 teacher
respondents selected through random sampling technique. Findings indicated that such
factors as social and cohabitation issues, discrimination from the top student leadership
(captains, prefects etc), feelings of superiority of some classes or form levels over others
and emotional and relationship (love affairs) issues were more likely to breed or instigate
conflict than other factors. The conclusion made was that the instituted conflict resolution
measures were mostly not effective especially in the view of students and therefore
required better measures to resolve conflicts. Based on these findings it is recommended
that senior high schools should take steps to institute effective conflict prevention
measures on school campuses as a first step to effective conflict resolution and also
strengthen school rules and regulations to serve as deterrents to conflicts initiation
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Educational Leadership, Faculty of Education
and Communication Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
University of Education, Winneba, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
award of the Master of Philosophy (Educational Leadership) degree