Examination of the Views of High School Teachers and Students with Regard to Discipline Perception and Discipline Problems

Abstract

This research is a qualitative study comparatively examining the views of high school teachers and students related to discipline perception and discipline problems. The study has been realized at a vocational school during the 2014/2015 school term. Maximum diversity and criterion sampling methods have been followed for the formation of the study groups with 18 teachers and 16 students. The data collected through semi-structured interview forms has been evaluated by content analysis. As a result of the study, it has been observed that the teachers define discipline as a wholistic system, self-control and providing the necessary learning environment, while the students define it as self-control, obeying the rules and respect. The participating teachers, who agreed on the idea that discipline does not mean bullying or passivizing the individuals, described rudeness, lack of interest in the lesson and misbehavior as disciplinary problems. According to the teachers, not fulfilling the responsibilities and rudeness; according to the students, preventing the course from running and not being interested in the course are the most experienced discipline problems at their respective schools. Pursuant to the acquired results, the students differ from the teachers by thinkink that behavior such as not obeying the directives, using hazardous items and harming the environment/objects are the most common problems.