Prevention of indiscipline in a cluster of schools in Portugal

Abstract

Indiscipline appears as a concept difficult to define which is invariably linked to the context of school. The definition of indiscipline is based on a clear opposition to the concept of discipline and it is understood as a breach of order, rules, and norms, impairing the pursuit and/or achievement of an objective. This study aims to analyze the aforementioned phenomenon in a cluster of schools, namely at the second cycle level, and to verify the adequacy of the measures taken to fight indiscipline. A qualitative approach was used, in which we aimed to characterize the indiscipline in the cluster of schools under study, analyzing the data collected through the interpretive-qualitative method. By means of this analysis it was possible to conclude that, despite the cluster of schools being committed to fight the phenomenon in a way consistent with the current legislation in force and despite implementing efforts to eradicate it, indiscipline continues to persist due to internal and external factors.