A Study of Principal Supervisory Strategies and Secondary School Discipline

Abstract

This study examined the different supervisory strategies employed by principals in the resolution of discipline
problems. It also determined the relationship between principals’ supervisory strategies and maintenance of discipline in the
schools, with a view to address students’ discipline problems in schools. The population consisted of the principals and students
in the state public schools. Sixty principals and 400 students were selected by purposive sampling technique from the 40 public
secondary schools in the state. Two instruments, ‘Principals’ Supervisory Strategies Questionnaire (PSSQ)’ and ‘Students
Disciplinary Traits Questionnaire (SDTQ)’ were used to collect relevant information. Data collected were analyzed using
inferential statistics. The results showed that principal sex has no significant relationship with their supervisory strategies. It also
showed that there is no significant differenced relationship between either junior or senior secondary school and the supervisory
strategies employed by the principals. However, it was observed that there was a significant relationship between supervisory
strategies used by school principals and students discipline problems. It was therefore concluded that principal should
endeavour to use supervisory strategies that will reduce students’ disciplinary problems to the barest minimum in their schools.