The role and contribution of the teacher service department in the promotion of teacher ethics in Tanzanian secondary schools: a case of Mbeya municipality and Mbeya rural district
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Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam,
Abstract
This study focused on the role and contribution of the Teacher Service Department (TSD) in the promotion of teacher ethics in public secondary schools in Mbeya Municipality and Mbeya Rural district in Mbeya region. The study was guided by four research objectives: to identify the specific functions for the TSD; to explore the forms of teacher malpractices the TSD has found common in schools; to investigate the approaches and actions the TSD has applied towards stemming the stated malpractices and promoting teacher ethics; and to assess the problems encountered vis-a-vis successes gained by the TSD in promoting teacher ethics. The study mainly employed a qualitative approach with some aspects of quantitative approach. A total of 76 respondents were involved in the study and were obtained through simple random, stratified and purposive sampling. The data was generated through document analysis, observation, interviews and questionnaires. Analysis of data involved both qualitative and quantitative procedures. The findings unveiled that the TSD is responsible for teachers’ appointment, registration, confirmation, promotion and discipline. Teacher malpractice is a problem of great concern in schools with variation in terms of types, location, frequencies and teachers’ gender as well as level of education and work experiences. The TSD applies various approaches and actions in promoting teacher ethics. The approaches have included provision of teachers’ code of ethics, seminars and workshops and guidance and counselling to teachers. Actions, on the other hand, have included warnings and reprimands, demotion, stoppage of a salary increment and recovery of the cost or part of the cost of any loss caused by teacher’s negligence for minor offences, or else, for serious offences dismissal from service with or without termination of membership of the service. Yet, the approaches and actions were perceived ineffective in addressing the problem. Challenges, on the other hand, have been reported as ranging from lack of funds, shortage of staff, absence of transport facilities, lack of power to sanction teachers in private schools, to little support received from employers and some heads of schools. It was further noted that the TSD had not gained much success in promoting teacher ethics in schools. In the light of the research findings, the study has concluded that unless a collective effort is put forth by all stakeholders in education, stemming teacher malpractice and promoting teacher ethics in schools is doomed to failure. In order to promote teacher ethics successfully, stakeholders recommended official recognition and satisfaction of teachers’ needs and provision of financial support to the TSD, a review and proper documentation of the code of conduct for teachers and that all stakeholders should be involved in designing, developing and enforcing the teachers’ code of ethics. Finally, the study has recommended for the TSD to be equipped with all necessary inputs especially, funds, transport facilities and manpower in order to enable it to execute frilly its roles.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF LB1779.T34M4252)
Keywords
Teachers, Professional ethics, Secondary school, Mbeya municipality, Mbeya rural district, Tanzania
Citation
Mfaume, H (2012) The role and contribution of the teacher service department in the promotion of teacher ethics in Tanzanian secondary schools: a case of Mbeya municipality and Mbeya rural district,Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam