Effectiveness of school academic teachers in enhancing pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools in Kinondoni

This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of academic teachers in enhancing pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam. Three questions guided the study: What are the tasks of school academic teachers? What are the strategies used by school academic teachers in enhancing pupils’ academic performance? and; What are the challenges facing school academic teachers in enhancing pupils’ academic performance? The study employed a qualitative research approach for linking the main parts of the study to tackle the major research questions on how academic teachers enhance pupils’ academic performance in primary schools. Purposive sampling was employed to select 5 head teachers and 5 academic teachers, one from each selected school whereas; 50 pupils were selected by using simple random sampling technique. The data were obtained through: observation, interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review. Data were analysed using thematic approach. The study found out that academic teachers perform a wide range of tasks to support school and pupil’s academic performance. Among the tasks include: to provide instructions to teachers and pupils on teaching and learning, creating an inclusive learning environment for all pupils, and undertaking other administrative duties. Academic teachers enhance pupils’ academic performance through various strategies such as: promoting in-service professional development for teachers, promoting equity and justice, creating a climate hospitable in teaching and learning, and promoting school teamwork. However, it was also found out that some of the strategies employed by academic teachers were less effective in enhancing pupils’ academic performances due to various challenges. Further, the study found out that challenges that constrain academic teachers’ efforts for enhancing pupils’ performance are such as: shortage of teachers, inadequacy of teaching and learning materials, large class sizes and inadequacy of sanitation facilities. Some strategies that can make academic teachers more effective include: payment of teachers’ remunerations accordingly such as arrears, provision of allowances for different duties and increasing teacher’s salary. The study recommends that academic teachers should be provided with knowledge and skills which can make them lead teachers, pupils and non-teaching staff stable to enhance the quality of their organisation performance, and pupils’ academic performance in particular. It is further recommended that further studies should be conducted to examine if the present results are valid at other levels of education.