Causes, magnitude and reduction measures of teachers’ attrition in community secondary schools in Sumbawnga district, Tanzania
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Date
2014
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigated the causes, magnitude and measures to reduce teachers’ attrition in Sumbawanga community secondary schools. This study employed a qualitative approach using multiple embedded case study design. The area of study was Sumbawanga district council in Rukwa region. The sample was composed of 66 respondents where 6 head of schools and 30 teachers, 18 student leaders and 2 district officials were purposefully selected, while 10 teachers who quit the teaching profession were selected using snow balling strategy. Data were collected through document review, interviews, focus group discussion and observation. The data collected through interview and focus group discussions were analyzed by using descriptive display matrix, with some direct quotations from the respondents integrated in the narrative report. Furthermore, the data collected through observation and documentary review were subjected to content analysis. The main findings of the study indicate that on average, three to four teachers left their work stations yearly between 2012-2013. Social, environmental, economic, and personal factors were the major factors influencing teachers’ attrition in the district. The study established that graduate teachers indulged more in attrition than diploma holders and male teachers quit the profession than their female counterparts. Strategies such as provision of extra allowance, improving teaching and learning environment, provision of two years free accommodation for the new employee and increasing and community support and participation were applied by schools to curb attrition. On the other hand, the district employed provision of soft loans, promotions and incentives as ways to reduce attrition. Based on the aforementioned research findings, it is recommended that the district council should timely promote teachers, strengthen teacher’s SACCOS for loans provision, improve social services in the remote areas where schools are allocated and consider gender balance in teacher’s allocation. Furthermore, it is imperative to focus attention on education service providers, who are capable influencing attrition.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF LB2840.2.T34B37)
Keywords
Teacher turnover, Community secondary schools, Community schools, Sumbawanga District, Tanzania
Citation
Batholomeo, S. K (2014) Causes, magnitude and reduction measures of teachers’ attrition in community secondary schools in Sumbawnga district, Tanzania, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.