The contribution of the school climate on students’ moral development in private secondary schools in Kasasa Sub-County, Rakai District

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the contribution of the school climate on students’ moral development in private secondary school in Kasasa Sub-County, Rakai District. The study was guided by three objectives namely; the influence of guidance and counseling, the influence of extra curricular activities and the contributions of punishments on moral development of students in private secondary schools. The study involved 174 respondents namely 6 head teachers, 36 teachers, 120 students and 12 members of Board of Governors from 6 randomly selected schools. Self-administered questionnaire, interview guide and documentary analysis were the research instruments. The data was collected, compiled, sorted, and organized in frequencies and percentages. Interpretations and conclusions were then drawn according to the findings. The study findings revealed that guidance and counseling, extra curricular activities and punishments exist in private secondary schools and contribute to students’ moral development. It was established that private secondary schools offer guidance and counseling to help their students internalize life realities properly and to raise commitment in the attainment of educational goals. A wide range of extra curricular activities were offered not only as a Ministry of Education and Sports requirement but also to develop students’ desired behavior and talent. Punishments were equally offered to check students’ behavior. It was concluded that guidance and counseling influence students’ moral development. Like guidance and counseling extra curricular activities enhance learning, generate future expectation, and enhance peer interaction and the development of talents in and outside academics. Punishments if well regulated have a lot of influence on students’ moral development. Likewise poor administration of punishments contribute to the develop of poor behaviors like dropping out of school and planning strikes that would cost schools a lot. It was then recommended that emphasis on guidance and counseling, extra curricular activities and punishments be maintained in secondary schools. Schools should support extra curricular activities by putting in place facilities in addition to financial support. The administration of punishments should be regulated and those that inflict body harm totally be stopped.