Contribution of school inspectors towards improving teachers work performance in primary schools in Tanzania

The purpose of the study was to examine the contribution of school inspectors towards improving teachers work performance in primary schools in Tanzania. The study drew on three specific objectives: first, to examine the role of school inspectors. Second, to assess the extent to which advice given by school inspectors were useful for teachers in improving their work performance in schools. Third, to examine problems faced by school inspectors which may hinder their working in improving teachers work performance in schools. The study employed qualitative research approach, through a descriptive and analytical strategy by involving five primary schools in Ilala District, Dar es Salaam Region. The study sample comprised 88 respondents including head teachers, teachers, school inspectors and the district education officer. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary review. The data collected were analyzed mainly by content analysis. Findings from the study revealed that first, advice from school inspectors helped to improve teachers’ competence and their skills. Second, school inspectors rarely or hardly provided advice on management and administration issues to head teachers. Third, some teachers pretended to follow pieces of advice and recommendations when the inspectors were at school. Fourth, some problems facing teachers were not within their capacity. Fifth, relationship between teacher and inspectors improved, but there was a minimal relationship between school inspectors and the district education office. It can be concluded that, inspectors highly needed to support teachers work performance due to several reasons including curriculum changes. Despite problems facing school inspectors, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training should make efforts to minimize those problems and hence, effect better performance in schools.