An evaluation of the communication skills dimension in the general studies course for "A" level candidates in Tanzanian secondary schools

This study seeks to find evidence that the recent General Studies innovation, which has involved a change from Kiswahili to English as the instructional medium, is primarily aimed at promoting the `A' level candidates' communication skills (CL) in English in Tanzania but that unfortunately it was not subjected to construct validity (CV) and that it is not preceded by a set of clear objectives. It also seeks to suggest an ideal structure of GS course for better achievements of its goals as a CL related GS. The first chapter provides the background to the problem; the statement of the problem; objectives and significance of the study. The hypotheses, definition of terms and conceptual framework are also dealt with in this chapter. Chapter two is the literature survey which covers the different types of evaluation and their appropriacy for given situations/contexts, and the different approaches to innovations and their advantages and disadvantages. The conditions for an ideal curriculum innovation are also given here. Chapter three deals with the methodology whereby the location of the study, the sample size and the methods for collecting and analysing data are identified. The chapter also discusses the research limitations encountered by the researcher. Chapter four analyses the data, discusses the findings and interprets them in accordance with the purpose of the study and the hypotheses advanced in this study. Chapter five presents the summary of the study, conclusions and recommendations for further action, and also outlines suggestions for further research to cover areas that could not be dealt with in this study