Browsing by Author "Mbogo, Prisca"

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    Addressing the “Chronic” shortage of teachers in Tanzania: strategies and challenges: the case of ward secondary schools in Ilala and Mkuranga Districts
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Mbogo, Prisca
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies employed to address the chronic shortage of teachers using the case of WSSs in urban based Ilala and rural based Mkuranga districts in Dar es Salaam and the Coast region, Tanzania. The case study design informed the study. Relevant data were collected from eight WSSs with 118 respondents obtained through random, systematic and purposive sampling techniques. Interviews, questionnaires, and document review were used to collect relevant data that were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Several findings were obtained. First, the problem of teacher shortage differed between the two settings, where schools in rural areas experienced a much more acute shortage of teachers than with urban based schools. Secondly, the causes for teachers’ shortages in WSSs were a continuation of what had been experienced in public schools for long. Thirdly, different strategies were employed to address teachers’ shortages in WSSs. Nevertheless; in the course of employing the strategies economic, educational as well as social and political problems and challenges affected the sustainability and effectiveness of the strategies. In the light of the research findings, it is concluded that a shortage of teachers in WSSs affecting the quality of education provided. Also, despite the adopted strategies, there was no sustainability of the strategies. The economic hardship and lack of awareness on the importance of education were the major challenges that affected the sustainability and effectiveness of the strategies. The study recommends the need for the improved teachers’ working conditions and sensation of the people as part of the efforts to address the chronic shortage of teachers. The study also recommends further research studies to other areas, and between Tanzania and other countries for generalizable results viable strategies to counter teacher shortage problem.