Deviant Behaviour in Secondary School and its Impact on Students’ Learning

Abstract

Students come to school to acquire knowledge, skills, positive behaviour and values for good citizenship. Students learning become more effective and meaningful when the classroom and school environment is calm and devoid of distractions. This study examined deviant behaviour in schools and how it impacts on students’ learning The study drew its sample from a population of public secondary schools in Edo State, Nigeria. The sample comprised 500 teachers selected through random sampling techniques from twenty secondary schools in the state. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection from the respondents. Descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis of data. The findings revealed that deviant behaviour was prevalent in urban and rural schools but was more prevalent in urban schools than in rural schools. The findings further revealed that the extent of prevalent of deviant behaviour in large schools was more than in small schools. Deviant behaviour severely impacted on students’ learning. The study concluded by recommending the adoption of appointing two principals to head large schools. Principals of large schools should employ collaboration with school management team to effectively combat deviant behaviours.