Browsing by Author "Said, Fadhila"

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    The influence of teachers on career choice among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam region - Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Said, Fadhila
    This study investigated the influence of teachers on career choice among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania. The study was guided by three questions, namely: To what extent is career counseling provided in secondary schools? What do teachers do in helping students to choose their careers? And lastly, what school programs help students decide on their future careers? The study employed qualitative approach, specifically an embedded multiple case study design. The area of the study was in Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania. Purposive sampling was used to select three heads of school, three academic teachers and four guidance and counseling teachers. Meanwhile, convenient sampling was used to select three subject teachers and 30 students, hence making a total of 43 study participants. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observation and documentary review. Data obtained through interview and focus group discussion were analyzed using a descriptive matrices sheet with the use of direct quotations by the participants. Data obtained through observations and documentary reviews were subjected to content analysis. The pictures were analyzed using visual content analysis. The findings revealed that, career counseling in the secondary school is seldom provided to students by their teachers. These teachers lacked career seminars and materials. Teachers mainly counsel students on both social problems and academic matters. They also invite professionals in different fields from outside the school to talk to the students about career issues. Furthermore, when teaching, teachers use participatory methods of teaching that relate the practical works with real situation, which helps students to consider their future careers. The study also found that, students participating in various socialization activities expose them to various careers which, in turn, help them to choose their appropriate careers. School programs such as the use of project works with all students, use of more practical works in learning and teaching science subjects, availing career materials and professional counselors proposed could help students to choose their appropriate careers. The study concludes that teachers play an important role in helping students to choose their appropriate careers, they provide education and advice. Based on the findings the study recommended that all guidance and counseling teachers should be provided with seminars and materials relevant for advancing their knowledge on careers in line with ongoing changes in society. Teacher should habitually use participatory method of teaching science subjects; the school should initiate various career- related socialization activities and encourage all students to participate.