Effect of Preventive Cultural Strategies on Students’ Behaviour Modification in Public Mixed Day Secondary Schools in Nandi County

Abstract

Abstract: The study was to investigated the influence of preventive strategies of training discipline on students’ behaviour modification in Public mixed secondary schools in Nandi County, Kenya. The specific question was what is the influence of preventive cultural strategies of training discipline on students’ behaviour modification? Multicultural theory guided the study. Sequential mixed research design was adopted. The target population was 74048 respondents comprising of students, teacher counsellors and deputy principals. Proportionate stratified, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used. Quantitative data was collected from students using questionnaire and Interview guide collected qualitative data from Deputy Principals. A pilot study was conducted among 39 students, 2 teacher counsellors and Deputy Principals each to test the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Quantitative data was analysed by use of frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations. Inferential statistics was done to test hypotheses by using analysis of variance. From the findings, most of the students developed self-control due to mentorship, superstitions in society have made them learn to obey and not engage in irresponsible sex because of the fear of punishment associated with it. There was a statistically significant mean difference between preventive cultural strategies (F (2,375) = 61.52, p = .000) and students’ behaviour modification. There was a positive significant effect of preventive cultural strategies and students’ behaviour modification. The study concluded that preventive cultural strategies of training discipline highly influenced students’ behaviour modification in public mixed secondary schools in Nandi County. The school administrators should clearly spell out the rules and regulations guiding the expected behaviour of students within the school environment. This will enable counsellors to apply an appropriate strategy to manage deviant behaviour. The study findings will benefit the Ministry of Education, principals, deputy principals, community elders and counsellors to monitor and improve student behaviour in schools.