Teachers’ and students’ opinions towards the need for a “cut-off” pass mark in the form two secondary education examinations (ftsee) in Tanzania

Abstract

The study sought to investigate teachers’ and students’ views on the removal of “cut off” pass mark from FTSEE and investigate the views about strengths and/or weaknesses of FTSEE in the teaching and learning process. The study used a descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative aspects. Six secondary schools in categories of single sex; male and female, co-education, government and private, were sampled, two from each district of Dar es Salaam region. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. Respondents were 48 classroom teachers, 11 school inspectors, five heads of schools and 323 students. The quantitative data were analysed through frequencies and percentages and the qualitative through data sentiments of respondents on FTSEE. The study revealed that school inspectors, heads of schools, classroom teachers and students from all the types of schools wanted the “cut-off” pass mark of FTSEE restored because it makes the students fear failing; motivates teachers to work harder; makes teachers teach better and cover syllabi in time; and makes teachers and students work hard at school. It was revealed that FTSEE was needed as it made both teachers and pupils evaluate themselves in the teaching and learning process. The proposition that FTSEE should be completely stopped in Tanzania was rejected by all the respondents. It was therefore strongly recommended that the government return the ‘cut-off’ pass mark in FTSEE.