Investigation of short term teacher preparation programmes on the quality of teaching and learning secondary school science in Tanzania

The purpose of this study was to investigate Short term teaGfo/ preparation prom' ainivies on the quality of leaching and learning secondary school science in 'Tanzania, Attempt was community schools with Short Term Trained teachers (STIT), The study was conducted by way of survey where four secondary schools in Kilolo and two secondary schools in Kiba,ha districts were studied. Data were gathered through interview, fbcus group discussions, questionnaires, document review as well as observations, Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in the analysis. Findings revealed that most STTT have not been preparing the scheme of works and lesson plans, hence not good in classroom performance. Also the study found that students have been scoring poor in science subjects particularly in form two national examinations. The study recommend that district education officers in collaboration with inspectors, conduct workshops on interpretation of syllabi, proper selection of teaching materials and methods and psychology on handling students' behaviors. There is a need for further training of STTT who are teaching 40% in subject matter and 60% in pedagogy for at least one year in the training collage. The government should avoid crash programmes for professional training of teachers. Otherwise there is a danger of having STTT providing low quality education to students, finally the study recommends further studies should evaluate short term teachers' preparation programmes on students' learning behaviors and outcomes for wider population.