Influence of Non-Teaching Staff on Students’ Guidance and Counselling in Public Secondary Schools in Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

There is general outcry world over in relation to crime which has affected all sectors of development. Educational institutions especially secondary schools are best avenues where youth can be impacted with knowledge and competences for holistic character formation. The study objective was to examine the influence of non-teaching staff on the discipline of students in public secondary schools in Embu County, Kenya. Inculcating discipline among students requires a multi-dimensional approach incorporating other stakeholders. Non-teaching staff in secondary schools interact often with students. They directly or indirectly influence their behaviour. The study adopted Systems theory by Ludwig Von Bettalanffy and Institutional theory by Meyer and Rowan. This study involved descriptive survey design and utilized qualitative research method. Stratified, purposive techniques were used to select the sample size. Data was collected by observation, open-ended questionnaires and in-depth interview. Pretesting of instruments was done to determine validity and reliability. A sample size of 20% was used for population above 50, 30% for any category above 10 but not exceeding 50. Census was used for cases below 10. All principals, one student per school and all non-teaching staff in public secondary schools were targeted. The results were analysed through tables, pie charts and graphs. The findings indicated that non-teaching staff were indirectly involved in discipline issues pertaining the students. The research recommends that non-teaching staff should be trained and directly involved in handling students’ discipline cases.