Examining the disciplinary problems confronted at primary schools from the viewpoint of school administrators

In this study, disciplinary problems encountered at 20 primary schools in Şehitkamil and Şahinbey districts of Gaziantep province and solution suggestions and approaches of school administrators for these disciplinary problems were examined. Data of the study were collected through interviews with 79 school administrators working at primary schools in Şehitkamil and Şahinbey districts of Gaziantep province. School administrators taking part in the participants of the study were determined using maximum variation sampling and on a volunteer basis. It is considered that school administrators vary in terms of their length of service in administratorship and therefore school administrators having administrative length of service ranging 1 and 21 years were determined on a volunteer basis. Questions which include demographic characteristics of school administrators, disciplinary problems they encounter at schools where they have worked and their solution suggestions for solving these disciplinary problems were asked to school administrators during interviews. Acquired data were analyzed through descriptive analysis and frequency analysis. As a result of the study, it is revealed that most encountered disciplinary problems were quarrel with peers, violence, using bad language, truantry and showing a lack of respect for teachers. According to the findings, disciplinary problems occur at 8th classes most. Based on the findings of the study, it is suggested that activities should be organized to foster collaboration between school and parents and teachers should be trained regarding classroom management and communications with students in order to overcome the disciplinary problems.