The effectiveness of quality assurance mechanisms to teaching and learning process in community secondary schools in Kinondoni district, Tanzania.

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of quality assurance mechanisms to teaching and learning process in community secondary schools in Kinondoni District, Tanzania. Three research questions guide this study: an exploration of the current quality assurance mechanisms in community secondary schools; an effort to determine the effectiveness of the quality assurance mechanisms in enhancing the teaching and learning process; and an investigation of the challenges involved in implementing quality assurance mechanisms with regard to the teaching and learning process in these schools. The study employed a qualitative approach; specifically, an embedded multiple case study design. The area of the study was the Kinondoni district in Dar es salaam. The sample consisted of 34 respondents: 2 inspectors, 2 education officers, 3 head teachers, 3 academic masters, 9 teachers and 15 students, and employed purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through interviews, a focus group discussion, a documentary review and observation. The data obtained through the interviews and focus group discussion were analyzed using a descriptive display matrices sheet with the use of direct quotations by the participants; also, the data obtained from the observation and documentary review were subjected to content analysis. The pictures were analysed using visual content analysis. The findings indicated that internal and external school inspections were key quality assurance mechanisms in ensuring the quality of the teaching and learning process. The internal inspections were performed more frequently and have enhanced the teaching and learning process for both teachers and students. External inspections were conducted with less frequency, but nonetheless helped to enhance the teaching and learning process. The findings indicated that mechanisms helped to enhance teaching and learning process despite the challenges encountered. Based on the above findings, it is recommended that external school inspections should be conducted regularly; appropriate measures should be taken to make sure those in charge of quality assurance mechanisms are motivated to work hard; a special mechanisms should be formulated to monitor the effectiveness of the external inspection. The study concluded that quality assurance mechanisms, to a certain extent, enhance the teaching and learning process; hence, it is important that they are efficiently and appropriately in order to bring about great improvements.