Student Leaders Involvement in Decision Making and Discipline Management in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda a Case of Nyarugenge District

Despite the government sustained efforts to improve discipline among students in secondary schools, cases of indiscipline still persist in secondary schools in Rwanda. This study involved an investigation of effects of student leaders involvement in decision making on discipline management in secondary schools. The specific objectives of the study included to assess the effects of student leaders involvement in formulating rules and regulations on discipline management, to determine the effects of student leaders involvement in time keeping on discipline management and lastly to examine the effects of student leaders involvement in disciplinary meetings on discipline management in secondary schools. The study utilised descriptive survey design and causal research design to achieve study objectives. The target population was 378 consisting of head teachers, dean of studies, dean of discipline and other teachers and student leaders from public and private secondary schools. The study used purposive and simple random sampling techniques in selecting the sample population. Questionnaires and interview guides was used to collect the data from respondents. Data was analysed using IBMSPSS version 21 and findings were computed using descriptive statistics including means, frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics including Pearson correlation coefficient, beta coefficients and p-values. The findings were presented in tables and charts. Cronbach Alpha value was 0.83 which indicated the instruments were reliable and the experts opinions were also incorporated to ascertain instruments validity. The findings did indicate that over 65% of respondents agree that student participate in decision making including drafting rules and regulations, time keeping and disciplinary meetings. The mean for all items was approximately 4 with less than 1 standard deviation. Additionally, the beta coefficients for drafting rules and regulations, time keeping and disciplinary meetings were 26.9%, 30.1% and 30.5% respectively with p values of 0.001, 0.004 and 0.001. The study did conclude that there is positive significant effect of student leaders involvement in drafting rules and regulations, time keeping and disciplinary meetings on discipline management. The conclusion of the study was that head teachers should ensure student are represented in school decisions particularly when amending or introducing new rules and regulations, when drafting time tables that guides school activities and when having disciplinary meetings through their leaders. The government through education ministry should also enforce mandatory law in schools that ensures student leaders are involved in decision making process in schools by engaging their leaders. The study is important to school administrators, teachers and students in enhancing discipline.