The word discipline has as its root the word disciple. A disciple is a student or follower of a wise teacher. With the concept of discipline comes learning. A child who has no discipline cannot learn. Lack of discipline can be traced back to several root causes.

Respect

A proper respect for authority provides the basis for good discipline. A lack of discipline could be due to a lack of respect of authority. A student who does not have proper esteem and respect for the adult teachers in his life will demonstrate a life of indiscipline.

Laziness

A student who is lazy by nature will resist discipline. The effort that learning requires is not apparently worth the trouble. Arriving to class on time, completing homework assignments and doing projects goes against the laid back nature of the lazy student.

Self Esteem

Students who demonstrate a lack of discipline demonstrate a lack of value for themselves and the work they produce. Doing little or nothing is safer because if they put forth a sincere effort and their work was judged as inadequate, the results would be more devastating.

Ineffective Instruction

There are cases where the student desires to be disciplined or taught but does not receive adequate instruction from the teacher. Most teachers have a desire to help students learn and with proper training can learn to be more effective and reduce the lack of discipline in the class.

Immaturity

Very young students can demonstrate indiscipline due to social immaturity. They are able to demonstrate more self discipline and accept the discipline offered by others as they mature.

Source:

UNESCO: Introduction to the Open File

ACCS.org.uk: Strategies for Curbing Indiscipline in Nigerian Secondary Schools