Management Strategies to the Behavioural Challenges of Learners from Child Headed Households as an Optimum Approach to Nurturing a Child-Friendly Learning Environment

Abstract

Student behaviour management is one of the contemporary problems faced by managers of schools. This study explored how school principals address behavioural challenges of orphaned learners for positive outcome. Using qualitative approach, purposive sampling was used to select eight principals whose schools had a visible population of learners from child headed households who exhibited behavioural challenges. Data was collected using unstructured focus group interviews to encourage spontaneity and in-depth discussions. Focus group interviews were used to collect data to allow for spontaneity and in-depth conversations with respondents. The results showed that most of the intervention strategies employed by the principals in schools did not generate restorative learner behaviour. It was also revealed that most of the behavioural management strategies were not effective since undisciplined learners who returned from suspensions often repeated similar behaviours that got them suspended. From the inadequate managerial skills on orphaned learners’ behavioural challenges revealed by the study, it is recommended that school managers need staff development on how to implement restorative disciplinary approaches on learner management.

Received: 11 November 2022 / Accepted: 24 November 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024