Effectiveness of the current vocational skills syllabus in primary schools in Tanzania: a study of two districts in Mbeya region

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature, variety and effects of vocational skills taught in primary schools and their relevancy after the primary school cycle. Specifically the study needed to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching and learning environment in respect of vocational skills, to assess the relevancy of vocational skills; and to investigate the nature and variety of occupations youths engage in after school years. The study adopted a comparative correlation design. Sampling techniques including random and purposive sampling procedures were employed to obtain data for this study. The study employed qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis while quantitative data were processed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). On the basis of four hypotheses, several findings are presented. First, the findings revealed that the dominant teaching/learning method used was demonstration. Secondly, the schools were faced with a perennial shortage of teaching/learning resources needed for various skills. Thirdly, the principal occupations within the surrounding communities were not given due emphasis in schools. Fourthly, the findings indicated that the majority of the self-employed school-leavers got their practical skills through well-established entrepreneurs after school cycle. The study recommends, among other things, that teachers should be provided with in_ service training to acquire pedagogical skills and knowledge for the teaching of vocational skills. The government and stakeholders must find alternatives for financial resource mobilization.