Abstract:
Indiscipline in general adversely affects academic work and this has lead to a decline in academic
performance of pupils in Junior Secondary Schools in Ghana. This study was conducted to assess the
extent of indiscipline in Mmofraturo Girls’ School and its adverse effects on pupils’ academic
performance so as to provide solutions. The study sample included pupils and teachers of the Junior
Secondary School Department. The study used mixed method of data- observation, interviews, test
items, examination records and questionnaires for teachers and pupils. Results showed that pupils’
misbehaviour included talking, lateness to class, absenteeism and rudeness. Others were eating in class,
quarrelling, deliberate refusal to answer teachers’ questions, carelessness and inattention. With respect
to teachers, laziness, lateness/absenteeism, poor teaching methods and unfriendliness were some
common attributes. Other behavioural problems associated with teachers were discrimination, use of
abusive language, flirting with pupils, improper dressing and lack of self-discipline. Varieties of
interventions were employed to improve the situation. They included guidance and counseling, setting
of rules and conduct in class, remedial tuition, adequate preparation by teachers before lessons, self
discipline and use of polite words by teachers. There was a need for consistent in-service courses on
classroom indiscipline in Junior Secondary Schools. Instituting a vibrant guidance and counseling unit
in all Basic schools to deal with disciplinary problems was necessary
