The impact of curriculum changes on teacher grade IIIA education programme on quality teaching and learning in Mwanza region, Tanzania
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study assesses the impact of curriculum changes in teacher grade IIIA education programme on quality teaching and learning in Tanzania; taking Mwanza region as a case study. Specifically, the study: (i) Investigate the extent to which implementation of curriculum changes of 2009 in teacher grade IIIA education programme achieved preparation of competent primary school teachers; (ii) assess the influence of curriculum changes of teacher grade IIIA education programme on teaching and learning in primary schools; (iii) explore strategies for effective implementation of curriculum changes in teacher grade IIIA education programme as well as in primary schools. The study employs qualitative research approach with a case study design particularly multiple or collective case study design. Purposive, simple random and stratified sampling procedures are used to acquire 100 respondents composed of college principals, tutors, primary school heads, primary school teachers, primary school inspectors and teacher trainees. Data are collected through interviews, documentary reviews, focus group discussion and observation. The data are presented based on themes developed from research objectives.The study findings reveal that firstly; curriculum changes of 2009 to a large extent, did not achieve preparation of competent teachers due to hindrances like: improper curriculum implementation at teacher colleges, unawareness of most primary school teachers on curriculum change in teacher education, non-participation of educational stakeholders before curriculum changes and lack of connection between primary schools and teacher colleges. Secondly; curriculum changes in teacher grade IIIA education programme have not influenced quality teaching and learning in primary schools due to inadequate skills on lesson preparation, presentation and evaluation, inadequate teaching and learning resources in teacher colleges, overcrowded classrooms, lack of in-service training and lack of uniformity in curriculum materials. Thirdly; proposed strategies included provision of in-service training, reduction of subjects in teacher colleges, involvement of stakeholders before curriculum changes, curriculum should reflect on societal needs, proper supervision of tutors as well as teachers on curriculum implementation and implement assessment and evaluation of teacher trainees based on guidelines proposed in the curriculum. The study recommends that, In order for 2009 curriculum changes in teacher grade IIIA to meet preparation of competent teachers, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in collaboration with Tanzania Institute of Education should make sound policies and proper strategies for implementing curriculum changes in both grade IIIA teacher colleges and primary schools. Furthermore, in order for the curriculum changes of 2009 to influence teaching and learning processes, education leaders at local level should be committed in crosschecking proper implementation of curriculum at local level. Moreover, to overcome challenges in achieving quality education there should be strategic planning in education reforms, through allocation of enough funds, monitoring of those funds in order to meet quality education.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF LB1775.8.T34J67)
Keywords
Primary school teachers, Curriculum change, Educational programme, Mwanza region, Tanzania
Citation
Joseph, B.(2014) The impact of curriculum changes on teacher grade IIIA education programme on quality teaching and learning in Mwanza region, Tanzania,Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.