Feasible methods of managing conflict in secondary schools in Rukungiri district.

Abstract

The study aimed at examining feasible methods of managing conflict/ students' strikes in schools m Rukungiri District before and after its occurrence as well as other methods to create harmonious school environment. The respondents of the study included; students, teachers, headteachers, BOG, PTA, Foundation Body, DEO, security, local council s and opinion leaders. Both open- ended and close- ended questionnaires were used as well as face to face interviews in order to capture the data. The study findings showed that there is no significant difference in the perception of school stakeholders about practical methods of managing conflict before occurrence. PTA and BOG strongly believe that con ciliation is an effective method of managing conflict after it has occurred. Most students thought that a ll methods were not at a ll effective. There is no statistical significant difference in stakeholders' pe rception of these methods of managing conflict except between PTA, BOG and Foundation Body members. A summary of the findings clearly showed that most of the teachers rated conciliation to be most effective before occurrence of the conflict and for other methods to create harmonious school environment, the respondents cited methods like listening to students problems, providing balanced diet to students, keeping students busy , and flexible rules and regulations among others.