Time-management and academic perfomance of students in teachers colleges in Tanzania

The aim of this study was to investigate the process of time-management and its possible influence on students' academic performance in Teachers' colleges in Tanzania. A survey of the literature revealed that few studies have been done in Tanzania to investigate time-management and students" academic performance. Studies done elsewhere helped to formulate research tasks and questions. The study embraced a conceptual firamework derived from a synthesis of the theories by many writers. Basically, this framework regards time-management as the planned use of available time so as to enhance the synchronization of organizatiions' activities. The population sample included the Teachers' colleges administrators, tutors and teacher trainees. Data were collected through questionnaires, observation schedules, time sampling techniques and documentary reviews.The data were analysed by statistical techniques to determine chi-square and correlations between time- management practices and overall college performance. Content analysis was also made on the qualitative data. The major findings of the study were the following: there were a series of interruptions of the colleges working routines resulting from unplanned activities and delay of meals and other services. Some tutors and students were not well satisfied with the arrangement of the time tables. It was felt that time was largely misused, the level of time-management attitudes of students was low and that of the academic staff was moderate. Time-management attitudes were narrowly correlated with behaviours and academic performance; the college which had a good academic record also scored high in time-managemnt. The study concluded that there was a general ignorance of effective time-management strategies in the colleges. Following this study it is recommended that: the administrators and tutors should be made aware of time as an important resource in the colleges and strategies for its effective management, time-management guidance and counselling for students should be introduced in Teachers' colleges, the Ministry concerned with education should step up supervision of working routines in the colleges and Teachers' colleges should evaluate their use of time periodically.