THE EFFECT OF INTERNAL CONFLICTS AMONG TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS ON TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
ABSTRACT
The broad objective of the study was to determine the effect of conflict on the teaching and learning process in public secondary schools in Enugu East. This study used descriptive and exploratory research design. A sample comprising of principals, teachers and education officers was used to investigate the understanding, perceptions and effects of conflicts in schools. The research instruments included a questionnaire and an interview schedule which were administered to the respondents. The data collected was subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. They were analyzed using frequency distribution tables and mean. The findings showed that the effects of conflict if not well managed can be very destructive as it can adversely affect the teaching and learning process in schools. From the study, the researchers found out that (a) the value is less than the standard average of Likert scale option which is 2.5, (b) that the principal does not dominate the teachers and could not be a source of conflict between the two parties; (c) the teacher do not show poor attitude to work rather they are afraid of principal and this could not be a source of conflict between the two parties; (d) that respondents disagree to a little extent that conflict bring about poor academic performance; (e) that conflict does not encourage behavioural misconduct of students. Among other recommendations, the researchers recommended that the school administration should embrace an open system where everyone is allowed to air his views towards the resolution of conflicts.